Comment from Cook, Liz

As a conservative minded citizen who cares deeply about the natural beauty and unique wildlife of the Mariana Islands, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for 22 species in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. I have seen how special the native species are, from the Mariana fruit bat flying at dusk to the rare trees and plants that define the coastal and limestone forests. These 22 species, and others that will benefit from their habitat protections, are part of what makes America great. Protecting their habitat is not just a conservation issue, it is a promise to our children that we will not let these irreplaceable treasures disappear. I am particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to submit my thoughts during this public comment period. I truly appreciate that the Service is reaching out to everyday people like me to help shape the final decision. While I support the designation as a whole, I especially want to urge the Service to ensure that the final boundaries include the following: > the limestone forests that provide food and shelter for fruit bats and birds, > the coastal strand and wetland areas that are vital for migratory birds, > and any areas identified by local community members (those who have the most on the ground knowledge) as critical breeding or feeding grounds. I understand that balancing conservation with local needs is challenging, but I believe this proposal strikes a thoughtful and necessary balance. I am grateful for the work the Fish and Wildlife Service has put into this rule, and I am optimistic that, with public input, the final designation will be strong. Thank you for considering my comment and thank you for your dedication to protecting the Mariana Islands' natural heritage. I look forward to seeing the final rule and will continue to follow this process with great interest.