Save The Oregon Spotted Frog!
- by: Lynn Hamilton
- recipient: United States Fish and Wildlife Service
The Oregon spotted frog has all but disappeared from the Pacific Northwest. So why has it been waiting for 22 years to be listed under the Endangered Species Act?
Turns out that former President Bush took power away from the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) -- which makes decisions about which animals get ESA protection -- and gave it to political appointees. Now, FWS is back and evaluating a slew of endangered animals for listing -- among them the Oregon spotted frog.
The Oregon spotted frog population has declined an alarming 73 percent. This gentle amphibian's marshes have been lost due to new construction and the invasion of the non-native predatory bullfrog.
Tell the FWS that you wholeheartedly support listing this animal under the ESA!
Dear [Decisionmaker],
We the undersigned thank you for your heroic efforts to put animals first and politics second. We fully support your initiative to retake ownership of the Endangered Species List and evaluate animals and plants that have been backlogged.
In particular, we are concerned about the future of the Oregon spotted frog. This amphibian's population is in grave peril. Only a scant 27 percent of its numbers remain in its traditional habitat.
[Your comments will be inserted here.]
Please list this frog for protection under the Endangered Species Act!
Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
