Hi follks,

Those who have been following the listing of the loon
as a "sensitive species" might be interested in the
following WDFW news release.

Jon. Anderson
Olympia, Washington
festuca at olywa.net
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NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, Washington 98501-1091
Internet Address: www.wa.gov/wdfw

February 17, 2000 Contact: Harriet Allen, (360) 902-2694

Final comments to be taken
on loon protection proposal

OLYMPIA* Final public comments are being collected through March
22 on a proposal to add the common loon to the state*s list of protected
species.

Despite its name, the common loon is a rare breeding species in
Washington and is vulnerable to human development activities and
recreational use of lakes. Although a number of Washington lakes in the
past offered ideal loon nesting conditions, human disturbance has
affected loon habitat and may have disrupted nesting, according to
WDFW biologists. Surveys over the past 15 years have confirmed only
20 nest sites in Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, King, Okanogan and Whatcom
counties.

The WDFW scientists are recommending the bird be listed as a state
sensitive species. The sensitive species listing indicates the loon may
become threatened or endangered without improved management. The
state already lists five other species as sensitive; 26 as endangered
(likely to become extinct) and 11 as threatened (likely to become
endangered). Another 100 species are considered candidates for
listing.

Although the state listing does not carry the regulatory authority of
federal protection listings, it furthers WDFW efforts to advise
landowners and local governments on habitat protection and other
cooperative measures to help the species.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to vote
on listing the loon at a meeting April 7 and 8 in Yakima.

Copies of WDFW*s final status report on the common loon will be
available after Feb. 22 at public libraries, WDFW headquarters and
regional offices and the WDFW website on the Internet.

Written comments on the status reports should be mailed by March 22
to Harriet Allen, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600
Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091.