DNR wants input on endangered species list

Agency schedules public hearings

MADISON, Wis. — State wildlife officials are seeking public comments on plans to update Wisconsin’s endangered or threatened species list.

The Department of Natural Resources is considering removing seven animals and nine plants from the list, including the barn owl, the snowy egret, bog bluegrass and hemlock parsley. The agency said some of the species have responded well to protection and efforts to bolster their populations while others aren’t as rare as once thought or are no longer found in the state.

The DNR also wants to add eight species whose populations are declining, including three types of birds, one freshwater mussel and four types of insects.

The DNR has scheduled public hearings across the state on March 5 and March 6. People also can email or mail comments to the agency.

For more information, go to the DNR website.