CONCORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the lists of threatened and endangered species in New Hampshire. The proposal also affects wildlife control operators and limits on the take of certain fish. The public hearing will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., at Fish and Game Department Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. The public is welcome to attend and to offer comments on the proposed rule changes.

The proposal readopts with amendments the current rule on Conservation of Endangered and Threatened Species. Certain species are added, and others removed from each list of threatened or endangered species. Additions to the list of threatened and endangered species include the purple martin, red knot (a shore bird), and two species of bats. This notice also brings good news, as the bald eagle and American marten are proposed to be removed from the list of threatened and endangered species.

A new section would be added to regulate the take of bats in structures. Amendments also would be made to the existing rule on Wildlife Control Operators to conform to the new section on taking of bats.

Amendments are also proposed for the existing rule on the taking of shad, now called lake whitefish. A new rule on round whitefish is also being adopted. These changes reflect the proposed listing of round whitefish as threatened.

Written comments on the proposed rule changes may be submitted until November 14, 2016. Written comments may be mailed to the Executive Director, NHFG, 11 Hazen Dr., Concord, N.H., 03301, faxed to (603) 271-5829, or e-mailed to comments@wildlife.nh.gov (include rule name in your subject line).

The full proposal and rulemaking notice are available at:
www.wildnh.com/legislative/proposed-rules.html