The Topeka Shiner

Another environmentalist land grab is underway in six states to protect the Topeka shiner, a minnow. The Sierra Club has targeted private property in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri for designation as critical habitat which would impose federal regulations on the use and sale of the private land.

I'll reiterate my previous recommendation. Let the public decide which species to protect and not protect via the ballot box. Small special interest groups are making the determination (many times based on incomplete or disputed science) and it greatly impacts many property owners and businesses negatively. With respect to the Topeka shiner, I'd vote no protection and allow the citizens in the six states to do what they desire with their property. The minnow can fend for itself.