Conservationists sue to save dragonfly The Hine's emerald dragonfly was declared an endangered species in 1995 (Paul Burton / hinesdragonfly.org) They say the feds haven't designated areas as required By Paige Funkhouser News-Chronicle Swiftly zipping through the rolling morning mist, a quiet hum darts just out of reach of a patient frog. It jauntily lands on a willow branch overhanging the water, twitching its four wings, curling its long abdomen, as its giant iridescent green eyes keep watch for predators. This wetlands-inhabitating Hine's emerald dragonfly was listed an an endangered species in 1995. Finally, eight years later, ecologists and environmental protection groups believe they've waited long enough for the government to designate critical habitat for this eye-catching species. "President Bush has a poor environmental record," said Daniel Patterson, Center for Biological Diversity ecologist. "He doesn't want to follow the law. This administration has a contempt for wildlife." By law, habitat should be located and defined as critical within one year of its addition to the endangered species list. This action hasn't been taken, so environmental groups such as the Northwoods Wilderness Recovery, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Door County Environmental Council are filing a notice of intent to sue the federal government for not designating critical habitat areas for the dragonfly's recovery. When asked why saving this species of dragonfly topped their priority list, Patterson and Jerry Viste of the Door County Environmental Council agreed that "it is an important species because of the types of habitat" it inhabits. The Hine's emerald dragonfly thrives in wetlands native to the Midwest lakes. Once-flourishing populations in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Alabama are virtually extinct. This indicates a lack of attention to the survival of the native ecosystems in these areas, by politicians and designated preserve groups such as the Fish and Wildlife Service. The environmental groups are hoping the Fish and Wildlife Service will make a proposal out of court to set aside funds and time for the designation of critical habitat areas for the dragonfly, so timely action can be taken to save the species, as well as draw attention to the struggling wetland ecosystems. "The dragonfly doesn't have the impact that wolves and coyotes do -- it's just another little 'bug,' said Viste. "However, once it's gone, it's gone forever, and we've already lost thousands and thousands through the destruction of habitat."