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Environmental groups file notice of intent to sue over Palouse earthworm

October 30, 2007, 2:58 pm

A coalition of environmental groups and concerned citizens filed today a 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the agency’s refusal to study the rare giant Palouse earthworm and its worthiness for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The legal action was taken by the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Clearwater, Palouse Prairie Foundation, Palouse Audubon, Steve Paulson of Orofino and Lynne Nelson of Palouse after the agency rejected their plea to conduct a status review of the lily-smelling worm that can grow up to 3 feet long and spit at attackers. The worm was described as common on the Palouse around the turn of the 20th century. But it has only been seen a handful of times in the last 100 years.
“All we are asking for them to do is a study that it may be warranted,” said Noah Greenwald of the Center for Biological Diversity at Portland, Ore. “For them to deny that (petition) at this stage, given the few times the earthworm has been seen, is just ridiculous.”

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