RE: NANFA-- environment and the presidency

Jay DeLong (thirdwind_at_att.net)
Tue, 22 Feb 2000 09:24:21 -0800

The Niangua darter prefers streams with gravel or rocky bottoms and cannot
live in silty water.
Why It's Endangered: Dam construction has created barriers in the darter's
habitat, fragmenting its range and blocking escape from streams that become
polluted or altered. Highway and bridge construction straighten and widen
streams, eliminating the small pools in which darters live. Construction and
other streamside activities such as clearing brush and gravel dredging has
also increased erosion and added silt to the streams, disrupting the fish's
habitat. Other threats include exotic predatory fish such as spotted bass
and rock bass, which were introduced before 1940 and have spread throughout
the darter's range.

> That's one advantage to Missouri's setup. We have a system that is as far
> removed from politics as seems possible. Pressure from the legislature
> isn't possible. They don't have any say in funding. The governor's
> influence is restricted to nominating the conservation department's
> commissioners.

What a possibly great arrangement. Thanks for sharing that, Chris. What
role do these commissioners have? And what legal obligations does the state
have to protect a sensitive area from development?

--
Jay DeLong
Olympia, WA

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