The Prairie Dog Advocacy Watch Group are mobilizing for a potential battle over the Gunnison's prairie dog colony currently living on the College of Santa Fe Campus.

In an action alert e-mail to supporters on Monday, the PDAWG Task Force is calling on rodent lovers to attend the July 28 open meeting on CSF's future at the Greer Garson Theater at Southside Branch Library, 6599 Jaguar Drive (4-7pm). The problem, according to PDWAG:

At this time, plans include the construction of three new buildings where the largest prairie dog colony exists (along Siringo Road between Yucca and Llano Streets). The proposed construction site includes a floodplain and is habitat for many species including prairie dogs, lizards, burrowing owls, other birds and vertebrates of the prairie ecosystem. Construction on this particular parcel would require the removal and relocation of hundreds of prairie dogs, destroy acres of habitat, and reduce Santa Fe's natural heritage.

PDAWG plans to grill city officials on whether the construction time will be adjusted to account for prairie dog relocation mandated by city ordinance.

UPDATE: Thanks to Marc with ForAnimals.org for correcting us on the location. I'm not sure if the PDAWG folks will make it, considering they sent out the Greer Garson notice.