Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

In regards to the request by Cindy Remotnik, museum specialist USGS-UNM. We find the letter to be quite ahead of time in submission for the endangered status for the jemez Mountain Salamander (JMS) Be it known that an amphibian, when it lacks water in one area, it searches out alternative sources. In desert conditions this animal achieves survival on its own initiative. It does not wait on man to do anything. I have not in my 60+ years of visiting the forest, seen anyone out there with mechanical, chemical, or even spiritual weapons trying to drive to extinction the (JMS) or any other creature. I have observed people making efforts to thwart managing practices in place over many years. I have yet to see a concentrated advance in setting forth management without threat or bullying the agency in charge. Be it a good to all concerned, the (JMS) has survived catastrophic events before, and has survived without mans intervention. As good stuarts of the national forest, we should do whatever we can to protect and manage this most valuable resource. We eat and drink from there. It is not just recreation, as most believe, our survival depends on that mountain, and its proper management. The Southwest Jemez Restoration Project is a good starting place, and it can be adjusted as needed. We believe the US Forest Service has been on top of the entire issue of managing the forest-darn the bad call on logging, and fire management. Leave the (JMS) alone. It was designed for survival by a Higher Power. I have lived and farmed in the mid-Rio Grande valley for 60+ years. I live at a 5200 ft. elevation, and know of the existence of 2 kinds of salamander. One smooth with markings, and the other scaly looking skin, also smooth. The only time I have seen those animals is after an electrical thunderstorm, or within 6-8 hours. They don't bother me, I don't bother them. I 60+ tears, I have yet to see a mexican spotted owl, or a goshawk in the jemez mountains.