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The Gunnison sage grouse is one of 17 animals in Colorado listed under the Endangered Species Act. The act was signed into law by Congress in 1973.
Helen H. Richardson, Denver Post file
The Gunnison sage grouse is one of 17 animals in Colorado listed under the Endangered Species Act. The act was signed into law by Congress in 1973.

Re: “The Endangered Species Act works, so why is Congress trying to dismantle it?” May 26 guest commentary.

Thank you to Ralph Morgenweck, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official, for his dedication and service to our imperiled wildlife, and thanks to The Denver Post for publishing his article. I’m grateful that individuals who know first-hand about the protections provided by the Endangered Species Act speak out on its behalf. It’s also important for ordinary citizens like me to speak out.

As Morgenweck pointed out, the ESA works. The protections provided by the ESA defend species diversity on our planet, and it’s that diversity that protects our planet. We all benefit in the long run from the significant work of the ESA. Human population is increasing, which means human activity is increasing, and that means it’s more important than ever to protect our endangered species.

Climate change, also a result of increasing human activity, will make this challenge even more difficult. It’s vital that the Trump administration and Congress keep the ESA strong, not dismantle it.

Pam Van Scotter, Colorado Springs

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