Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

I appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed reclassification of the wood stork from Endangered to Threatened. My comments represent my personal comments and do not reflect those of any client with which I am affiliated. My full comment letter is attached as an uploaded file. The following sentences are a synopsis of my comment letter which is attached. I want to commend the Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWS”) for proposing the classification change of the wood stork from “endangered” to “threatened.” 77 Fed. Reg. 75947, 75965 (proposed Dec. 26, 2012) (amending 50 C.F.R. §17.11(h)). The proposed changes to 50 C.F.R. § 17.11(h) involve adding “MS” for “Mississippi” to column titled “Vertebrate population where endangered or threatened,” and replacing “E” for endangered with “T” for Threatened. 77 Fed. Reg. at 75965. While these changes are textually minute, they represent significant consequences for species. Id. My comments support the wood stork’s reclassification to “threatened” from “endangered,” but reject the addition of Mississippi as a wood stork designated population area. Id. at 76947. Thank you for your time and consideration.