Protect the Guyandotte River and Big Sandy Crayfishes
Fish and Wildlife Service
Endangered Guyandotte River crayfish and threatened Big Sandy crayfish live in the coalfields of Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. They've been lost from most of their historical ranges due to water pollution, primarily from timbering, mining, and other forms of resource extraction — but there's new hope for these crustaceans.
After decades of delay, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service has proposed robust protections for 446 stream miles
of critical habitat for both species. This would protect their homes
from habitat degradation while also improving water quality for people. The Service is now taking comments from the public on the
proposed protections. This is an unprecedented opportunity for us to
push back against watershed pollution and fight for these unique and beautiful crayfish species!
We need to speak up loudly and clearly for these imperiled crayfishes. Add your name to the petition and voice your support for the protection of this critical stream habitat!
Sponsored by
To:
Fish and Wildlife Service
From:
[Your Name]
I'm writing in support of your proposal to designate 446 stream miles of critical habitat for the endangered Guyandotte River crayfish and the threatened Big Sandy crayfish. The survival of the endangered Guyandotte River crayfish that the Fish and Wildlife Service follow through on its proposal to designate 42 stream miles of unoccupied critical habitat for this species. With only two streams left to call home, this species needs room to spread out.
The Guyandotte River crayfish has already been wiped out across 90% of its range, and only exists in two creeks in Wyoming County, West Virginia. The Big Sandy crayfish has been killed off across over 60% of its range.
Both crayfish species play critical roles in maintaining webs of life. As they feed, they clean the water, benefiting downstream species that require good water quality. They are an important food source for a long list of fish, amphibians, mammals and birds. People benefit from the protection of these species, too. Just as crayfish need clean water, so do the millions of downstream people whose drinking water originates in their headwater streams. Please protect this critical habitat for these unique crustaceans!