The avid species, a list for Hellbender, is long overdue – Chesapeake Bay Foundation

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has suggested that Hellbender’s eastern hell be listed as an endangered species. A group of decisive young people in Pennsylvania, the original Hellbender defenders, say the recognition is long overdue.

“Hellbender demonstrates the importance of clean water and healthy water ecosystems,” says Anna Pauleta of Mechanicalsburg. “This is a symbol of perseverance, as we work together to solve environmental problems and emphasize the impact that a small group of motivated environmentalists can have on the trajectory of one species. The listing of Hellbender’s Eastern Hell as an endangered species has long been overdue. “

Pauleta was president of the Chesapik Bay Foundation Leadership (CBF) in 2016, when high school students launched a successful campaign for the biggest salamander in North America, designated as an official state amphibian in Pennsylvania.

Governor Tom Wolf signed the bill on April 23, 2019, referring to the eastern hell of hell as an official state of Pennsylvania. It was the culmination of a three-year campaign by student leaders to create greater awareness of the critical need to reduce pollution in the rivers and community streams.

Hellbenders are an indicator of clean water. They survive where it is cold, clear and fast. Also known as “Sanny Vidari”, “Mud Divies”, “Water Dogs” and from other names, the Eastern hellish banders can grow up to 29 inches and are known for living for 30 years.

Students were widely studied Hellbenders, installed nesting boxes in Pennsylvania streams, and wrote the first project of the bill, which was sponsored by Senator Jean Jau in 2018.

When a new legislative session began in January 2019, the measure was re -introduced as a Senate Bill 9. Students helped to direct the legislation to the predominant transition from the Senate and the Chamber and the signature of the governor.

“When receiving the bill, we hoped that there would be more awareness of this attractive look type and that we would see an increased population,” added Emma Stone. She was chairman of the Student Leadership Council in 2019 when the bill was signed. “I hope there is a day when Hellbender’s population will return to their historical peaks and we can enjoy the knowledge that we have fought for their bounce, not turn our eyes.”

The Hellbender -led campaign won local, state and national attention, making it on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and was the subject of the iconic Mark Trail Sunday comic book. Canada Radio Interviews Stone.

“Continuing the importance of healthy freshwater ecosystems helps to build an understanding of the important role that we all play in the work of restoring rivers and streams,” says Cassie Fan, CBF Pennsylvania Coordinator. “The fact that a group of dedicated and engaged students began the effort to strengthen the difficult situation of the Eastern Hellbender, emphasizes the value of youth and intercession for environmental matters.”

According to USFWS, the endangered list prohibits the “taking” of species listed as endangered, which includes harm, harassment (such as wildlife removal) or killing the species. The list also ruled that federal agencies consult the service to ensure the protection of the species.

The eastern hell of Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The USFWS public commentary period for the East Adandbent’s listing proposal as an endangered species will close shortly before midnight on February 11th. To send public comments online, visit the CBF Action Signal to CBF.org/Comment.

Written comments can also be sent by mail to: Public Comments processing, ATTN: FWS-R3-ES-2024-0152, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ms: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 3803.