Date: 4/24/25 8:28 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Proposed change to the Endangered Species Act,and Whooping Cranes
Thanks to Peter Van Demark for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:57:54 From: Peter Van Demark <phvand...> Re: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: [mou-net] Proposed change to the Endangered Species Act and Whooping Cranes
Madeleine:
Here is my comment, Tracking Number: m9t-wrx1-a1uj:
Please do not change the definition of “harm.” Endangered species cannot exist without their habitat. If your home burned down but you got out safely, you are still harmed.
I am an avid birder, and have led walks at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport MA for over 20 years. I have seen how habitat degradation has changed the birds we see, and how habitat restoration brings back species.
The songbird population is way down over the last 50 years. Rescinding the definition of “harm” will accelerate that decline. Please strengthen, not weaken, the Endangered Species Act. Thank you.
Peter
------------------------------------------------------ Peter H. Van Demark Rockport MA
