Supporters of wildlife program are now working overtime to ensure that the U.S. Sentate does not cute funding
WASHINGTON, DC (June 11) – Last month, legislation passed out of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that allocates $85 million to the State Wildlife Grants Program. This month, supporters of the program are now working overtime to ensure that the U.S. Senate does not cut those funds.
“Funding for State Wildlife Grants has not been this high since 2002, and Massachusetts wildlife supporters want to make sure that it stays at this level,” said Bernie McHugh, coordinator of citizen education for the Environmental League of Massachusetts, a group that works to implement wildlife conservation strategies in the state.
In April, 60 senators signed on to a letter supporting the $85 million funding to the program, which is the nation’s core program for preventing wildlife from becoming endangered.
“Massachusetts was extremely fortunate to have both Sen. Edward Kennedy and Sen. John Kerry sign on to the letter, and we anticipate their continued support for the $85 million funding for fiscal year 2008,” McHugh said.
The State Wildlife Grants Program is the only source of funding for most states aimed specifically at keeping wildlife off the Endangered Species List. It is also the primary funding source for implementing State Wildlife Action Plans, which are a thorough state-by-state look at wildlife and the actions needed to ensure their survival.
The plans – which are the result of a collaborative effort by scientists, sportsmen, conservationists, state fish and wildlife agencies, and the general public – are designed to prevent wildlife from becoming threatened, at which point they often are too rare and costly to protect.
Massachusetts’s plan aims to protect species such as the wood turtle and the black bear. For more information on the plan, visit http://statewildlife.nwf.org/MA/
What you can do!
Contact Massachusetts' Senators and ask them to support funding today
Senator Edward Kennedy:
kennedy.senate.gov/senator/contact.cfm
Senator John Kerry:
kerry.senate.gov/v3/contact/email.html
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Contact: Isabel Grantham, 617-742-2553, igrantham@EnvironmentalLeague.org
Join Teaming with Wildlife!
The Massachusetts Coalition is comprised of over 150 organizations and businesses. These include land trusts, watershed groups, outdoor organizations, environmental policy organizations, commercial whale watches, sportsmen and women groups, bed & breakfasts, and other businesses.
Joining Teaming with Wildlife is easy! Simply fill out and return the endorsement form. Forms can be faxed to 617-742-9656 or mailed to:
Teaming with Wildlife
Environmental League of Massachusetts
14 Beacon Street, Suite 714
Boston, MA 02108
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