Michigan Public Act 451 Part 365 requires periodic review of the State's Threatened and Endangered Species List. Similar to previous reviews, the DNR convened seven technical advisory committees to review the list and recommend changes. The committees consisted of university researchers, Michigan Natural Features Inventory biologists, agency staff, and other species experts. Each committee offered recommendations on a particular species group (i.e., mollusks, insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants).

Of particular interest may be the proposed removal of the bald eagle and the gray wolf from the list. Both species have exceeded population recovery goals and were removed from the Federal list of threatened and endangered wildlife in 2007, but they are currently classified as threatened under Michigan regulations.

Copies of the proposed changes to the list (SOAHR 2007-007 NR) may be accessed from the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/orr. Printed copies may also be obtained by contacting: Regulatory Affairs Officer, Office of Legal Services, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909, Telephone: 517-241-2328, FAX: 517-373-8063, or klontl@michigan.gov.

Written comments may be submitted to the DNR via email to endangeredspecieslist@michigan.gov or via hard copy to Endangered Species Coordinator, DNR Wildlife, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909-7944. To be considered during the list-revision process, written comments or e-mails must be received by 5:00 PM (EDT) on July 10, 2008.