Arkansas Game and Fish Commission seeks public help to protect endangered species
By Yuna Lee
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BENTONVILLE, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is calling on residents to help protect endangered species like the Ozark Cavefish and Benton County crawfish by being mindful of water pollutants.
One of the biggest threats to Arkansas crawdads, also known as crayfish or crawfish, is water pollution. The commission says that by living more consciously above ground, people can protect the animals living underneath it.
“Whenever it rains, the water, it goes into nearby streams. But in these karst systems like Northwest Arkansas, the water gets underground really quickly,” Conservation Fish Ecologist Chance Garrett said.
Ozark Cavefish and Benton County crawfish live underground and are sensitive to increased nutrients or sedimentation.
“So any pollutants that happen to be on the landscape at the time get delivered into that water,” Garrett said.
Garrett said they have used dye to map out where rainwater travels in Northwest Arkansas.
“We track where that dye goes to understand how the water is connected to the surface,” he said.
Garrett advised homeowners to consider what they are putting into their yards.
“You know, do I have to spray this pesticide or herbicide, or could I maybe do some weeding with my on my hands and knees? Or do I have to fertilize my lawn again this month? Or is it really green and looking good? And that would be just excess nutrients,” he said.
The goal is to keep the natural state beautiful and alive for all who call it home.
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