U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., House Committee on Natural Resources chairman, said salamander populations in Williamson County seem to be doing well after inspecting a population at Avery Deer Spring on Sept. 5.

Hastings was invited to inspect area populations by U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-District 31, who, along with several Williamson County officials and groups, has been opposing the listing of four salamander species on the federal endangered species list.

Hastings and Carter heard a short presentation at the spring by Kemble White, a regional scientist with SWCA Environmental Consultants who has researched spring habitats for approximately 14 years. At this point in his research, White said the salamander population seems to be flourishing, and samples taken at the spring have shown water quality to be nearly "impeccable."

He added more research into the population needs to be done, as scientists are not able to count the number of salamanders underground at any given point. Those extra numbers, he said, would boost population estimates.

"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.