U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public comment on plan for endangered Arizona turtle

Sonoyta mud turtle is found in southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico

PHOENIX — The public can now review and comment on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s draft recovery plan for the endangered Sonoyta mud turtle, a freshwater turtle found in southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico.

The recovery plan’s goal is to recover the subspecies so it no longer needs protections under the Endangered Species Act. The 30-day public comment period opens on Thursday and closes Monday, Sept. 29.

The Service encourages the public, federal and state agencies, tribes and other stakeholders to review the Sonoyta mud turtle draft recovery plan and provide comments. Submit comments by mail to the Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 9828 North 31st Avenue Suite C3, Phoenix, Arizona 85051 or b