The hellbender is an amphibian that is resident of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways that is a federally protected creature. It is endangered and a unique creature, North America’s largest amphibian. However, they are in danger in their own riverway. The fear is that the mismanagement of recreational activities can lead to the decline and demise of these aquatic salamanders. Read the full story of the dangers they face at http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/o/2167/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=17388
The Ozark hellbender is protected under the Endangered Species Act. They need good quality water for their survival and contamination through these recreational activities right around and along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways cam damage their habitat and put them in danger. A new plan has been created, "Roads and Trails Management Plan" for the Riverways and we need to make our voices heard for these and other species in the waters that protection of the creatures within should be a priority.
The efforts of our petition is to ask the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Roads and Trails Planning Team to prioritize the safety and well-being of the Ozark hellbenders when managing the Roads and Trails Management Plan. You can help to save these endangered amphibians by signing and sharing this petition.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Roads and Trails Planning Team- We strongly urge you to prioritize the health, well-being habitat of the highly endangered Ozark Hellbenders. These creatures rely on good quality water for survival and are dangerously affected by roads and trails that cross over or are adjacent to their rivers and other streams in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The various activities that are near, in or adjacent to the Riverways contributes contamination through sedimentation, erosion and horse-waste that can lead to suffocating suffocate their eggs, eliminate habitat, destroy water quality and reduce prey. Save these amphibians that are already federally protected and listed on the Endangered Species Act.
