WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED
ABOUT THE LOSS OF SPECIES?
Extinction isa naturai process that has been occurring since long before
the existence of man. Normally, new species develop. through a process
known as speciation, at about the same rate that other species become 
extinct. However, because of air and water pollution, forest clearing, loss
of wetlands, and other man-induced environmental changes extinctions 
are now occurring at a rate that far exceeds the speciation rate II
extinction diminishes the diversity and complexity of life on e earth The
loss of a single species may result in few environmental repercussions 
however, all life on earth is interconnected. If enough "living 
connections” are broken, whole ecosystems could fail the balance of
nature could be forever altered, and our own survival could be
jeopardized. Furthermore, the diversity of animal and plant life 
us with food and many of our life-saving medicines. When a species is
lost, the benefits it might have provided are gone forever.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Toxic chemicals have killed aquatic life in many of our nation's rivers
Because the spotfin chub now exists in only short river reaches,
populations of this species could be easily lost to pollutants. Remember, 
whatever we put on the land may eventually enter our rivers Be carful 
with the use and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers used motor oil and
other chemicals, especially near any creek, no matter how small. 

Siltation is another major problem for aquatic life. Silt can	I
eggs and young of spotfin chubs, and silt can reduce the number and
diversity of aquatic insects that the fish depends upon for food. A wide
buffer strip of natural vegetation along waterways could help filter out silt
from disturbed lands. Livestock and their waste cause pollution and 
should be kept out of waterways and away from stream banks.
Be concerned with the quality of the Tennessee River and its tributaries
Watch for fish kills, illegal dumping of waste, unusual water color
smell, and other changes in the river’s condition. Report such events to
your State conservation agency.

Rivers and streams and the plant and animal life that inhabit them are 
now dependent on us for survival. These
natural places, with their diversity of life,
can benefit from and be enjoyed by all
of us; with our help, they can be
there for future generations.