The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public comment on its draft proposal to reintroduce the black-tailed prairie dog to Arizona.

The black-tailed prairie dog formerly occurred in the grasslands of southeastern Arizona. Population declines began in the late 1800s and continued into the mid-1900s, leading to eventual extirpation of the species in the state sometime between 1930 and 1960. Extirpation of this species was largely caused by an extensive poisoning campaign.

Game and Fish has studied the feasibility of re-establishing the black-tailed prairie dog within its former range in Arizona. A re-establishment proposal has been developed that would reintroduce the species within its historical range in the state at sites on federal lands. 

Habitat evaluations have identified Las Cienegas National Conservation Area as the preferred site for the first re-establishment attempt in Arizona. This location offers more than 15,000 acres of suitable grassland habitat.

The department will accept public comment at a meeting to be held on Feb. 21, 2008 from 7 p.m. until business is complete (no later than 10 p.m.). The meeting will take place at the Sonoita Elgin Fire District Meeting Hall, located at 3173 Highway 83 in Sonoita.

The meeting will include a short presentation on the black-tailed prairie dog re-establishment proposal, followed by an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed reintroduction site and the draft proposal.

Comments may also be submitted by e-mail no later than Feb. 28 to btpd@azgfd.gov. 

For more information, visit: www.azgfd.gov.