Save America's Wolves

Save the Lobo!


With just 59 remaining in the wild, America’s southwest wolves (sometimes called “lobos”) are in big trouble. Now some anti-wolf extremists want Congress to abandon efforts to save them.


Email your Representative right now and urge him or her to oppose efforts to eliminate funding for the southwest wolf recovery program. A vote on the issue is expected tomorrow, so please take action now!

Myth: “Nothing is more attractive to a wolf than the sound of a crying baby.” Representative Steve Pearce (NM)

Fact: There is not one documented case of a healthy, wild wolf killing a human in the United States. In fact, you are more likely to be killed by a meteorite than a wild wolf.

Help stop the lies. Take action now to save wolves.


Can you imagine the southwest without wolves? You might have to if Representative Steve Pearce (NM) is successful in his bid tomorrow to end the federal recovery program for southwest wolves.

Urge your U.S. Representative to oppose efforts to end the southwest wolf recovery program. Congress is expected to vote on the future of southwest wolves tomorrow, so please take action now.

In one of the great conservation accomplishments of the 20th century, the “lobo” was reintroduced to New Mexico and Arizona in 1998 after being driven to extinction in the wild during the early part of the last century.

These captive-bred wolves and their wild offspring have done well -- forming packs, hunting elk, pairing up and having pups. Left alone, these wolves thrive. Unfortunately, they’ve struggled against local opposition, illegal killing and mismanagement.

Just 59 southwest wolves now remain, and some in Congress want to end federal efforts to save them.

An amendment expected to be offered tomorrow by Representative Steve Pearce (NM) would eliminate funding for the southwest wolf reintroduction program -- completely ending the program and dooming the wolves to extinction.

In preparation for the vote, Pearce and his anti-wolf allies have even stooped to spreading misinformation about the southwest wolf recovery program, circulating factually inaccurate reports of wolf attacks. At a recent hearing on the Endangered Species Act, Pearce even made the outrageous statement that “Nothing is more attractive to a wolf than the sound of a crying baby.”

For the record, there is not one documented case of a healthy, wild wolf killing a human in the United States. In fact, you are more likely to be killed by a meteorite than a wild wolf.

Southwest wolves can’t write Congress, but you can.

Help us counter the lies. Take action right now to save Southwest wolves.

I hope you’ll take just a few moments right now to help save this beautiful symbol of the American Southwest.

Sincerely,

Rodger Schlickeisen
President
Defenders of Wildlife Rodger Schlickeisen, President (c)Daniel J. Cox/www.naturalexpos

P.S. A vote is expected on this issue in next few hours. Please take action now!
Defenders Home | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Donate Now

© Copyright 2007, Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities.

Defenders of Wildlife can be contacted at:
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036

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Bird numbers plummeting | Chicago Tribune

Bird numbers plummeting | Chicago Tribune

Bird numbers plummeting

Audubon study finds 'disturbing' decline in Illinois

By John Biemer
Tribune staff reporter
Published June 15, 2007

Populations of several Illinois birds nose-dived over the last 40 years -- particularly grassland species once abundant in "The Prairie State" -- as their habitat was lost to development and the conversion of family farms into industrialized agriculture, according to an analysis released Thursday by the National Audubon Society.

The Illinois trends, which Audubon called "disturbing," matched those of many birds nationally. But "in some cases it's far worse" and should serve as a wake-up call, according to Justin Pepper, deputy director of Audubon-Chicago Region.

In four decades, Illinois' populations of bobolinks, black grassland songbirds with a white back and a yellow nape, dropped 97 percent, according to the study. Eastern meadowlarks' numbers dropped 87 percent. The short-eared owl population plummeted by more than half.

"These are the birds of our back yards and nearby forest preserves and they're in trouble," said Judy Pollock, director of bird conservation for Audubon-Chicago Region.

The analysis was the first of its kind for the environmental non-profit. The group pulled together 40 years of bird population data collected by thousands of volunteer "citizen scientists" in its annual Christmas bird count and combined it with breeding bird survey data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

The goal was not to identify the nation's most endangered birds, but common ones with the most rapidly declining populations.

They highlighted the impact of disappearing and deteriorating habitat as opposed to more recent blights on bird populations, such as West Nile virus, which has taken a sizable toll on certain species such as crows and blue jays.

The findings tell a story bigger than a few bird species because they serve as indicators of the health of entire ecosystems, said Chicago region Audubon Director Stephen Packard.

"These birds are just the tip of a melting iceberg," he said.

Declining populations among Illinois' grassland and shrub-land bird species are well-known in the scientific community and "very, very serious," according to Jeff Walk, a conservation scientist for the Nature Conservancy. But the analysis is useful "in terms of putting together a complete picture over a 40-year time interval and looking at both the nesting season and the wintering season," he said.

Audubon made note of some conservation projects in the Chicago region that have succeeded in reversing the trend -- at least in localized pockets such as Spring Creek Valley Forest Preserve in northwest Cook County, which is a series of former farming and grazing pastures that Pepper identified as becoming a "rare gem" for birds.

Alan Anderson, vice president of the Chicago Audubon Society, had monitored the site for 22 years and gradually watched species slip away. But Audubon volunteers in recent years have helped pull out buckthorn and other invasive shrubs and weeds, removed litter and seeded fields with native prairie grass.

In one area of the park, known as Galloping Prairie, bobolinks increased almost tenfold and meadowlarks increased fivefold since 2004.

"Last year was the most fantastic, because there were species I hadn't seen there in a number of years, and large numbers of them too," said Anderson, citing dickcissel and grasshopper sparrows as a couple of species that reappeared as the land was rehabilitated.

"It's a hopeful sign because it says we know what to do and, on this small scale, we're seeing results," said Pepper. "It's just as simple as providing the habitat they need."

Still, some Illinois birds will never climb back to previous levels.

The state has lost more than 99 percent of its original prairie and 90 percent of its original wetland acreage to development and agriculture.

Of the top 20 declining birds identified by the society nationwide, a dozen were found in Illinois -- including the horned lark, the northern bobwhite, the field sparrow, the whip-poor-will, the common tern and the little blue heron.

The analysis found some species that have increased their populations in Illinois over the last four decades -- including wild turkeys, Canada geese, turkey vultures, great blue herons and red-tailed hawks.

Many raptors, including Cooper's hawks and even bald eagles, have rebounded after bans on detrimental chemicals and a cultural shift away from shooting hawks and owls, which once were perceived as nuisances.

"The vast majority of them have increased significantly over 40 years," Walk said. "These birds are doing very, very well now."

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Help rebuild the Everglades

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Tree islands like Torry Island play a crucial role in the greater Everglades ecosystem. Pond apple trees provide crucial habitat and are an important food source for many animals in the Everglades. Fast facts about this volunteer opportunity: This activity is geared for ages 5 and up. There is no prior experience necessary to participate. Please wear close-toed shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. There is very little shade where we will be working. A light breakfast and bottled water will be provided. All tools, including gloves, will be provided on site. The activity involves basic gardening tasks, including digging and light lifting. This event is rain or shine. If it’s raining or looks like it might, please dress for the weather. Help spread the word about this volunteer opportunity. Forward this message to friends and family in the area who might be interested in helping to rebuild the Everglades… The secret of the Everglades is the important role "tree islands" play in sustaining this fragile ecosystem. Unfortunately, these hotspots of biodiversity are disappearing at an alarming rate. But there's hope. This Saturday, you can help restore one of these important islands and provide crucial habitat for Everglades wildlife. Volunteer now! In 1940, there were more than 1200 “tree islands” in the Everglades. Today, fewer than half remain. These islands play a crucial role in wetland areas like the Everglades and endangered animals in these fragile ecosystems need them to survive. Defenders is teaming up with the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to restoring plant life and water flow patterns to the greater Everglades ecosystem, to plant native cypress and pond apple trees on tracts of abandoned farm land on Torry Island, near Belle Glade. Come be a part of the solution for this fragile ecosystem. Volunteer today! You'll help restore 700 acres of crucial habitat for many threatened and endangered animals like the snail kite, the wood stork, the green turtle and the eastern indigo snake. In fact, ecologists estimate that islands like these have two to three times more plant and animal species than the marshes that surround them! Wading birds use the trees on the islands to nest, alligators and turtles lay their eggs on the dry land, and deer, snakes, lizards and other animals seek refuge from rising waters there. What: Help restore a pond apple and cypress forest on Torry Island! When: Saturday, June 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Where: Torry Island 5000 W. Canal Street North Belle Glade, FL 33430 Get your hands dirty for our wildlife. Volunteer today! I hope you’ll join our Wildlife Volunteer Corps to help with this important project this Saturday. This is a great way to meet other wildlife enthusiasts and make a difference for your community and for the imperiled animals that need our help to survive. For the Wild Ones, Laurie Macdonald Director of the Florida Program Defenders of Wildlife Defenders of Wildlife’s Volunteer Corps connects our members and activists with unique opportunities to help biologists and wildlife managers protect and recover rare species, find ways for people to coexist with wildlife and repair and rebuild the habitat and ecosystems our wildlife need to survive. Did you know? The Everglades region is… roughly the size of Rhode Island; the largest continuous stretch of sawgrass prairie in North America; the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere; home to 14 endangered species and 9 threatened species; the only subtropical preserve in North America; the most significant breeding grounds for tropical wading birds on the continent; and the largest dedicated “wilderness” in the southeast. Privacy policy | Contact Us | Donate | Defenders Home

© Copyright 2007, Defenders of Wildlife This message was sent to dottye789@earthlink.net. Please do not respond to this message. Click here to update your information or unsubscribe. Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. Defenders of Wildlife can be contacted at: 1130 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036

Act Now to Stop Trophy Hunting of Polar Bears

A few weeks ago, I wrote to you about the growing list of threats facing polar bears. We've seen the heartbreaking images of polar bears struggling to survive as their habitat shrinks due to global climate change. But the bears also face additional pressures from trophy hunting, a practice that inflicts needless cruelty on this already imperiled species. Since 1994, more than 800 polar bears have been shot, stuffed, mounted, and imported into the United States by trophy hunters. You can help protect polar bears from cruel trophy hunts.

The Polar Bear Protection Act (H.R. 2327/S. 1406) seeks to close a loophole in the Marine Mammal Protection Act to help protect these majestic creatures from trophy hunting. Congress has the opportunity to shut the door on the importation of sport-hunted polar bears -- your elected officials need to hear from you today.

TAKE ACTION
Please make a brief, polite phone call to your U.S. Representative and each of your two U.S. Senators and urge them to co-sponsor the Polar Bear Protection Act.

Representative Tim Mahoney (202) 225-5792	Senator Mel Martinez (202) 224-3041
Senator Bill Nelson (202) 224-5274

Making a phone call is easy and an effective way to communicate your views. A staff member will take your message and pass it to your legislator. When you call, you can say:

"My name is [your name] and I'm calling from [your city and state] to urge [your legislator's name] to co-sponsor the Polar Bear Protection Act (H.R. 2327/S. 1406). It's critical that we protect the declining populations of polar bears from trophy hunting, especially when they're already struggling with the effects of global warming. Thank you."

After you make your calls, send a follow-up email to your members of Congress and urge your friends and family to get involved.

Thank you for taking action to protect polar bears at this critical time, and for all you do on behalf of animals.

Sincerely,



Mike Markarian
Executive Vice President
The Humane Society of the United States

Gore goes green at home | Herald Sun

Gore goes green at home | Herald Sun

AL GORE, stung by criticism over his house's energy efficiency, says renovations are almost complete to make it a model "green" home.

"This plan has been in the works for a long time," the environmental activist and former vice-president said.

"The only thing that has changed is that we're more public about it because of the misleading attack by a global-warming denier group."

This year a conservative group criticised Mr Gore, citing electricity bills that were far more than the typical Nashville home. Records showed the Gore family paid an average monthly electricity bill of about $1400.

Mr Gore's renovation project, which he said has been in the works for months, seeks to meet standards established by the US Green Building Council.

Once his upscale neighbourhood changed zoning laws this year, Mr Gore was able to place solar panels on his roof and is preparing to install a geothermal system that will, among other things, drastically reduce the cost of heating his pool.

Drew Johnson, whose Tennessee Centre for Policy Research had criticised Mr Gore, said: "The renovations are obviously in direct response to our finding that he's a hypocrite on the issue of global warming."

- AP

Healthy Hands for Gardening

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Gloves protect your hands from blisters, thorns and cuts while doing rough work like digging or pruning in the garden. Investing in one or more pairs of quality gloves is a good decision.

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Lawmakers Oppose House Energy Plan - Forbes.com

Lawmakers Oppose House Energy Plan - Forbes.com

Opposition mounted among House Democrats on Thursday to an energy proposal that would block California and 11 states from regulating tailpipe emissions.

At a hearing on a comprehensive bill that would increase mileage standards for vehicles and promote alternative sources of energy, a number of Democrats said they would try to defeat the emissions plan. It would limit state efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate them.

That idea "is cutting the legs out from under the states just as they are starting to sprint forward on carbon pollution regulation," said Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., already has announced her opposition.

Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., said she would propose removing the emissions plan from the overall bill next week. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., released a letter signed by a dozen Democrats opposed to the proposal from Rep. Rick Boucher, who heads a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee.

The subcommittee hearing dealt with the wide-ranging energy legislation that would require the auto industry to meet gas mileage standards of at least 36 miles per gallon for passenger cars after 2021 and 30 mpg for trucks after 2024.

Say NO to liquid coal

Dear Dottye,

Liquid coal will NOT move America toward a clean energy future. Better, cleaner options exist: efficiency, smart growth and renewable fuels. Urge Congress to say NO to liquid coal!

Have you heard about liquid coal? It's a transportation fuel made from coal that is expensive, inefficient, dirty, and releases large quantities of heat-trapping carbon dioxide into our air.

Despite these drawbacks, however, Congress is getting ready to throw huge subsidies at the liquid coal industry instead of investing those taxpayer dollars in efficient, renewable energy that will help solve global warming and decrease our dependence on oil.

Help us tell Congress that liquid coal is the wrong way to go!

Click here to urge your members of Congress to oppose liquid coal fuels!

The considerable economic, social and environmental drawbacks of coal-derived liquid fuel rule it out as a sound option to help move America beyond oil. Relying on liquid coal as an alternative to oil could nearly double global warming pollution per gallon of transportation fuels!

For example, using coal-based transportation fuel in a Honda Civic would mean doubling the CO2 emissions, which would be equivalent to operating a Hummer H3 run on conventional gasoline.*

Moreover, large-scale use of liquid coal would exacerbate the devastating effects of coal mining felt by communities and ecosystems stretching from Appalachia to the Rocky Mountains, including polluted air and water, devastated landscapes and a dismal record of worker safety.

There are better, cleaner, quicker, and cheaper ways to reduce our oil use - it's time for Congress to put us on a path to a clean and secure energy future.

Click here to send your letter to Congress today urging them to oppose liquid coal!

Once you've written your letter, please forward this message to your friends and family and ask them to join you in urging Congress to say NO to liquid coal.

Thank you for your help on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Julie Waterman
SaveOurEnvironment.org