Comment on FR Doc # 2011-13684

I am a Cedar City native. I grew up in the valley, farming with my father, Brent Hunter. As a result, have observed the growth patterns of the Utah Prairie Dog in Iron County for the last 30 years. On farms, I have seen beautiful, spotless (mound-free) alfalfa fields freckle with a few sparse mounds. Then, seemingly within a year, those mounds multiply and overtake a field. The mammals destroy crops, eating the root of the plants, and create so much havoc for a farmer! The loss of crops, land value, time, and income is devastating. I have also witnessed the Utah Prairie Dog rapidly overtake land in the subdivision in which I dwell; Equestrian Pointe. When we first purchased a lot and built a home here in 2005, there were Prairie Dogs present in one main area of the subdivision, with mounds spread throughout other lots as well. However, those mounds have expanded, the prairie dogs have multiplied in number...and are present, now, everywhere throughout the subdivision. I believe that endangered species need protection. I believe and support that. The prairie dog, ON PRIVATE LAND, however SHOULD be deemed controllable by the PRIVATE LAND OWNER. If prairie dogs are cultivated and protected on public lands, that is perfect! Let them grow and flourish! That habitat is perfect. Landowners need the right to their own land. If a private landowner seeks to control prairie dog growth, has local state approval, even offering 'take' for public land transfer, THAT SHOULD BE AN OPTION! There MUST be some amiable option for landowners, especially in Iron County, to assist in the abundance and control of the prairie dog. As landowners, we want to assist the Wildlife Services, but we also want to have some options on our own land. Especially, on land that has been owned, farmed, and (prairie-dog free) operated since the 1800's. Thank you, Brandon Hunter