Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

As a lifelong Perry County resident and landowner, I am certain that conservation efforts directed at enhancement of privately owned property through VOLUNTARY programs are and will continue to be the most successful at improving the habitat of the grotto sculpin. I, along with my agricultural producer friends and neighbors are fully committed to executing and improving the Perry County Community Conservation Plan that we have spent extensive time and effort developing. Local agriculture, business, community and youth organizations along with individual landowners and various federal, state and local agencies worked cooperatively on the plan. As farmers, we have always been and must always be good stewards of our land, water and wildlife through implementation of the most current and well researched best management practices. These practices conserve soil, protect water and allow us to provide food for current and future generations while coexisting with our natural environment and the grotto sculpin. Because of our strong efforts now and in the future there is no need for an Endangered Species Act listing or critical habitat designation.