Natural resources chairman says WilCo salamander populations 'robust'

"It's all trial and error," White said of predicting salamander numbers at this point.

Hastings agreed with White and said the salamanders can not be properly protected if the right evidence is not available.

"In many cases, there is not enough scientific work behind species. We want to make sure we protect them the right way, with the right evidence," Hastings said.

County commissioners Lisa Birkman and Valerie Covey added that the salamanders seem to be thriving despite being close to a large subdivision and having neighborhood children play in the stream.

"Humans can coexist peacefully with salamanders," Birkman said.

Carter said all evidence indicated that the salamanders were already being properly protected and that the endangered species listing is politically driven. Listing the salamanders, he said, would ruin economic development.

"Economically it'll be a disaster," he said. "Those listings shut down the human element."

Hastings concluded the scientific research done so far has not adequately proven that the salamanders are at risk and that salamander populations are not detrimentally affected by development.

"You have development and a robust population. Due diligence is being done," he said.