Dear Mr. Cables:

I am writing to request that your agency assist in the crisis facing black-tailed prairie dogs in Colorado. Prairie dog colonies along the Front Range are being threatened and destroyed by commercial and residential development at unprecedented rates. Efforts to relocate these animals have ground to a halt because of a lack of relocation land. Specifically, I ask that Pawnee and Comanche National Grasslands in Colorado be opened for the relocation of prairie dogs displaced by development.

Given that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that black-tailed prairie dogs warrant a threatened listing and given the multiple threats they face in the State of Colorado, it is imperative that Pawnee and Comanche National Grasslands take an active role in providing a solution to this crisis. Currently, these grasslands are managing prairie dogs at less than 1%, which is well under levels that would occur naturally. The restoration of prairie dogs to national grasslands would help ensure the viability of the species and need not conflict with other uses of the land (cattle grazing, recreation, etc.). Numerous scientific studies speak to the compatible and beneficial relationship of prairie dogs and cattle.

In addition, I ask you to ban the shooting of prairie dogs and enforce the moratorium on poisoning of prairie dogs on these national grasslands. Black-tailed prairie dogs are integral to maintaining the diverse prairie ecosystem of the Great Plains. Please help Colorado to maintain its prairie heritage. Thank you. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

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