Today the House of Representatives voted and passed an Omnibus appropriations bill that largely rejected new policy provisions or amendments that would have weakened the Endangered Species Act. The bill’s release follows weeks of intense pressure from conservation groups on behalf of imperiled wildlife and late-night negotiations in the House and Senate.
On March 6th, Jim and Jamie Dutcher released their new book, The Wisdom of Wolves: Lessons from the Sawtooth Pack (published by National Geographic). This book could not be more welcome, both as inspiration and educational tool, at this time of great uncertainty for America’s wolves.
Florida panthers are an endangered species residing primarily in southwestern Florida. In 2016, 42 panthers died in the wild, mainly from vehicle-related incidents. This is especially devastating news as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are, at best, 180 panthers remaining in the wild. Here’s how you can help reduce the volume of vehicle-related panther deaths.
Yesterday, Representatives Jarchow, Felzkowski, Quinn and Senator Tiffany circulated for co-sponsorship, LRB 3737/1 which would make it illegal for law enforcement to enforce state or federal law relating to management of wolves in Wisconsin. It also does not allow the Department of Natural Resources to expend any funds relating to wolf management other than paying claims under the endangered resources program for damage caused by wolves.
Between shrinking national monuments, cozying up with special interest, and making questionable travel choices, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has somehow found time to also direct the Bureau of Land Management to reconsider the Sage Grouse Initiative, despite years of hard work and collaboration.