Jun 14, 2011

Wisconsin’s working list of rare species updated

WDNR News - State endangered resources officials have completed a comprehensive review of more than 3,000 plant and animal species found in Wisconsin and have published an updated list of natural communities native to Wisconsin.

The NHI Working List identifies natural communities native to Wisconsin and includes species legally designated as "endangered" or "threatened" and in the advisory "special concern" category.

Special concern species are those about which some problem of abundance or distribution is suspected but not yet proven. This category is designed to focus conservation efforts on certain species before they become endangered or threatened hopefully heading off more expensive or restrictive regulatory actions.

“The working list is meant to be a dynamic document that is updated as often as new information becomes available,” says Osterndorf. “We welcome citizen input on any aspect of the list, as well as observations of these species and communities.”

Please see Bureau of Endangered Resources for more information and the Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Inventory program updated the NHI Working List on June 1. The list is available online and is used by conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public-to make informed decisions about managing natural resources.