COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Local groups voiced their concern for the Nashville crayfish, an endangered species, which they say is threatened by growing development.
The discussion was held during a public information meeting held by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Thursday about a proposal to remove the crayfish from the endangered species list.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says populations of the crustacean are now “healthy, stable and robust.” Several environmental groups oppose the move because the crayfish is only found in a single watershed in the Middle Tennessee area.
But local residents explained that with time they could be put in danger once again because of Nashville's booming growth.
There is no timeline for when a decision on the crayfish listing will be made, but experts say it will likely be early next year.
