Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to review this proposal.

I do not support the complete broad deferral of protections for the proposed 2 year period for the following reasons:

1. there is sufficient scientific evidence for the COSSARO recommendation that should suffice to implement regulatory protections.

2. the recognition that up to 70% of Black Ash populations could be at risk from Emerald Ash Borer does not allow for additional impacts to continue.

In recognition of the importance of Black Ash to indigenous cultural perspectives, I would suggest specific exemptions that would accommodate indigenous harvesting. Any other non-indigenous consumptive uses should be only permitted through a permit issued under the ESA (2007).