The Sierra Club, an environmental group, maintains its watchdog and informative approach toward the treatment of animals as land development near wildlife increases. We had some concerns for some badgers and deer. Mrs. Bosworth said the group is keeping an eye on a transportation issue in Des Moines affecting wildlife. We learned that on prairies in Eddyville where the highway would go through, there were some endangered plants and turtles.'' Rick Nelson, a field supervisor with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service branch office in Rock Island, said his department works closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on matters concerning commercial development and wetlands. Mr. Nelson said wetland animals affected by development include ducks, song birds, red-wing blackbirds and turtles.
Fish are also susceptible to wetlands when rivers and streams flood.
Mr. Nelson said the cooperation between developers, civic officials, government agencies and environmental groups is key to successfully removing animal's habitat. We try to influence developers so a commercial plan can avoid the wetlands. Mr. Nelson said one such example is the Rock River corridor along John Deere Road. Businesses such as Walmart and Trinity Medical Center worked to make sure wetlands were removed to another location. If a developer plans to build several businesses or an entire shopping center, another plan is put into effect, according to Mr. Nelson.