a whole slew of ick

[Guest guest]

1. Bears May Be Next Victims of Aerial Killing in Alaska

 

Apparently, the current aerial gunning of wolves in Alaska is not enough for some trophy hunters and their supporters in the state government. The Alaska Board of Game, which previously approved the aerial killing of wolves, leading to at least 91 wolf deaths already, is meeting to hear a number of proposals, including some that call for aerial gunning and bait-and-shooting of grizzly and black bears, as well as the selling of bear parts and the killing of bear cubs that are still with their mothers. The board may also extend aerial gunning of wolves to other areas. Sign a petition to oppose aerial gunning.

 

2. White House Still Calling for Trade in Endangered Species

 

Last fall, thousands of our readers urged the Bush administration to withdraw two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposals that would allow commercial international trade in endangered species for the first time in thirty years. Months after it first promised to do so, the service has finally reopened the public comment period on one of these controversial proposals. Although the Bush administration claims it will consider public comments already received, it also says that the public was "confused" about the impact of the proposed rule – a cynical argument that will allow the service to easily dismiss thousands of comments on this important issue. Visit our action center and click on alert #282 to send a letter to the Bush administration letting them know that you're not "confused," and you still oppose international trade in endangered species. The deadline for comments is March 9.

 

3. Scientists Claim Bush Administration Misusing Science

 

Sixty renowned scientists, including 20 Nobel laureates, recently denounced the Bush administration for misusing science. According to the scientists, the administration has, among other abuses, suppressed and distorted scientific analysis from federal agencies, and taken actions that have undermined the quality of scientific panels. The statement and a report released detail multiple areas in which the White House is either ignoring, suppressing or distorting science. One example cited involves the suppression of an Environmental Protection Agency study that found that the bipartisan Senate clean air legislation would reduce mercury contamination and prevent human illness more than the administration's misnamed "Clear Skies Act."

 

4. Interior Department Changes Tune on Navy Landing Field

 

In a move that some critics called a "political fix," the Department of the Interior has changed its mind about the negative effects that a military jet landing field will have on endangered red wolves and a slew of migratory birds in North Carolina. A letter drafted by the Interior Department in November expressed concerns with the landing field site – located near Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge – stating that it could have negative effects on birds and other species. Craig Manson, assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks, now states that the department "can accept the Navy's decision." Local communities and a group of conservation organizations, including Defenders, are suing to halt the construction of the field. Learn more.

 

5. Hyundai Test Track Threatens Endangered Wildlife

 

Defenders has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding permits issued to Hyundai Motor Company and California City to build an automotive test track in the California desert. If allowed to proceed as is, the project would result in the destruction of nearly 4,500 acres of wild lands that are home to several threatened species, including the desert tortoise and Mohave ground squirrel. Learn more.

 

6. Proposal to Drill in Los Padres National Forest Considered

 

The U.S. Forest Service is considering a proposal for new oil and gas leasing in Los Padres National Forest, on California's central coast. Approximately 74 percent of the 140,000 acres targeted as high-priority study areas for new leasing are wild and roadless forest lands that provide vital habitat for many endangered species, including the critically endangered California condor. In response to the Forest Service's proposal, this month Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) and Senators Dianne Feinstein (D) and Barbara Boxer (D) introduced the Los Padres National Forest Conservation Act (H.R. 3805/S. 2067), which would withdraw the lands proposed for oil and gas drilling. Read a Los Angeles Times story to learn more.