DENVER -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will remove the Preble's meadow jumping mouse from endangered species protection in Wyoming, but will continue protection for the mouse in Colorado as a threatened subspecies.

The decision was made Thursday after the Fish and Wildlife Service study concluded considerable obstacles prevent the mouse from surviving on its own.

"The Preble meadown jumping mouse is a key indicator of the health of streamside wildlife habitat along the Front Range. Living only in healthy streamside habitats, the Preble’s is a sign of flourishing open space," said Josh Pollock, conservation director of the Center for Native Ecosystems in a news release.

“The Preble has helped to spur increased attention and action to conserve streamside habitats and open spaces,” said Jane Cyphers, a Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Commissioner. “This isn’t just about the Preble’s, it’s about our quality of life.”

The mouse was first listed as an endangered species in 1998. The listing was controversial because scientists said only genetic testing can distinguish the Preble's mouse from other, more common subspecies of jumping mice.

“This decision will extend our chance to not only preserve the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, but also what’s left of our streams and open spaces in Colorado,” said Jeremy Nichols, Conservation Advocate at Center for Native Ecosystems.

Senator Wayne Allard said the decision "defied common sense."

"I have a difficult time comprehending how a mouse could nest along Colorado’s northern border and wake up one morning listed as an 'endangered species,' cross over into Wyoming to forage for food, and no longer be listed," said Allard.

The latest proposal from Fish and Wildlife stems from the settlement of a lawsuit filed by Wyoming in January.