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Groups: W.Va. northern flying squirrel endangered
CHARLESTON — Environmental groups put the Department of Interior on notice Wednesday that they will sue if a flying squirrel found only in high mountain forests of West Virginia and Virginia isn’t returned to the endangered species list.
Under the Bush administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the West Virginia northern flying squirrel from protected status last September, after declaring success in increasing the animals’ population by eliminating threats through improved habitat on two federal forests.
The squirrel subspecies, which dates to the Ice Age, was first listed as endangered in 1985. At the time, only 10 squirrels were located in four areas. Threats to their continued existence included loss of habitat, a lethal parasite, human disturbance and competition with the more common southern flying squirrel.
By the end of 2006, biologists had counted more than 1,200 squirrels at 109 sites and started the process to delist the animal.
Judy Rodd with the Friends of Blackwater Canyon said the population estimates are flawed because it appears federal officials double-counted at least 600 animals.
“We think the last administration made a big mistake here and we’d love to sit down and discuss it,” said Rodd, who represents one of six groups who filed Wednesday’s notice.
The groups are hoping that President Barack Obama’s administration will listen to charges that last year’s decision was not based on science and the fish and wildlife service failed to update a five-year recovery plan for the animal.
The notice, sent to both interior and fish and wildlife, gives the federal government 60 days to seek a resolution.
“If that does not happen, we are fully prepared to go to court,” Rodd said.
Laura Hill with in the fish and wildlife service’s Elkins office said the agency does not discuss notices of intent to sue.
She, however, said the service still “firmly believes” its decision was correct.
As part of its action, the service planned to monitor the squirrel for the next decade.
The small nocturnal animals are found in seven West Virginia counties that include portions of the Monongahela National Forest. In Virginia, the animal is found in just Highland County.
Without protections, the six groups fear the squirrels’ habitat will become fragmented by new roadways, logging, recreation and other developments. Returning the squirrel to protected status would allow for the creation of forest preserves.
“If that little island of habitat disappears, they have no where to go,” Rodd said. “They have to get back on the list to create the urgency to create the reserves.”
Other groups involved are The Wilderness Society, Center for Biological Diversity, Heartwood, Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition and WildSouth.
