The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently accepting comments on a draft environmental impact statement and habitat conservation plan, associated with the incidental take permit applications of 11 Collier County landowners, under the Endangered Species Act.

In plain english, there is a draft plan to allow more than 40-thousand acres of land to be developed in Easter Collier County, that would impact endangered species, and the FWS is asking for public comment before moving forward -- the comment period lasts through December 3rd.

Environmental groups are not happy with the plan, saying it will have dire consequences to the natural environment, wildlife, and personal quality of life to nearby residents. We're joined by Amber Crooks, an Environmental Policy Manager for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida who specializes in wildlife policy and oil drilling issues.



