The Beetle’s Back
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the saline wetlands…
Lincoln’s favorite insect, the salt creek tiger beetle, is back in the news. Admit it, you thought we were done with that issue, didn’t you? Did you slip into the “if I ignore the problem, it will resolve itself” mentality? I have to admit I did, though I do snap out of it when I drive up North 27th Street (which isn’t often).
I have a difficult time feeling sorry for the little critter. On the other hand, I’m all for preserving at least some saline wetland habitat. Not necessarily for the beetle, mind you, but because I think it’s a good thing to keep some of these habitats around.
I wonder where the City Council candidates stand on this issue? Sure it’s not the most critical issue. Yet wouldn’t it be interesting to know who belongs to the “plow ‘em under” mindset, who thinks we should save species at (virtually) any cost, and who waffles in the middle without actually taking a stand?
The Comments
Matthew Platte says That's the point May 4, 2009 at 8:51pm
“...Not necessarily for the beetle, mind you, but because I think it’s a good thing to keep some of these habitats around.”
If the Tayger Beetle is able to survive in King Kong’s back yard, that’s a pretty good indicator of a healthy saltmarsh habitat, one where we all can enjoy deer, turkeys and some humongous ticks and mosquito(e)s.