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While high school students across the US were taking their seats in civics class, 16 year old Ben Heckert was taking his seat across the table from Representative Norm Dicks who chairs the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. In late February, Ben traveled 3,000 miles to Washington DC to talk to his Congressmen about the importance of protecting wildlife for future generations. As a member of the Washington Wildlife Federation, he joined over 150 scientists, National Wildlife Federation affiliates, environmental managers, and concerned wildlife advocates in the fight for conservation funding at the 2008 Teaming With Wildlife Lobby Day.
During his visit to DC, Ben, along with fellow Washingtonian Rocky Beach, Wildlife Diversity Program Manager at the Department of Fish and Wildlife, met with several Washington State Congressional Offices. His goal was to secure funding for the State Wildlife Grants Program. The State Wildlife Grants Program is the nation’s core program for preventing species from becoming endangered. It provides federal money to the states and territories for cost-effective wildlife conservation via State Wildlife Action Plans. As a young conservationist and an avid outdoorsman, Ben knowledgeably discussed the environmental issues that are unique to his home state, as well as the benefits provided by the State Wildlife Grants Program. Thanks to Ben’s efforts, four Washington legislators signed on to a letter supporting $85 million for the State Wildlife Grants Program: Senator Cantwell, and Representatives Inslee, McDermott and Smith.
Ben experienced the democratic process in a way that few of his fellow classmates have. “First and foremost, I care about the environment and protecting wildlife. I have been a hunter for most of my life, and I enjoy spending time in the outdoors. I saw this as an opportunity to help protect and work for wildlife,” he says. After participating in the Teaming with Wildlife lobby day, Ben returned to his home in Washington, and to the classroom. His immediate plans include sharing this experience with his classmates, getting down to business on the lacrosse team and wrapping up his sophomore year. As for future plans, Ben is interested in the public policy process, and plans to study political science in college. And the National Wildlife Federation will be keeping an eye out for this star affiliate member, as he may be working on Capitol Hill himself one day.
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