Huge swaths of Canada’s boreal forests under threat

Posted on July 29, 2013 by admin

 

Researchers say a full 50 per cent of ‘world’s last great forest’ should be protected

 

By Randy Boswell, Postmedia News July 21, 2013

 

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Iconic species such as the woodland caribou “have disappeared from the southern tier of the boreal forest” and other signature wildlife of Canada’s forests — wolverine, grizzly bear and wolf — are in trouble, the panel states.

At least half of Canada’s vast boreal forest should be strictly protected from any kind of development and the rest should be carefully managed to preserve or restore its ecological integrity, a panel of top North American researchers argues in a report to be released Monday on “the world’s last great forest.” Continue reading →

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Upgraded electronic barrier on Chicago canal is part of project

Posted on July 25, 2013 by admin

$51.2 million federal plan offered to protect Great Lakes from Asian carp

By Lee Bergquist of the Journal Sentinel

July 24, 2013

President Barack Obama’s administration unveiled the federal government’s latest efforts on Wednesday to protect the Great Lakes from the Asian carp, including an upgrade of an electronic barrier in Illinois and an Indiana project that would serve as a buffer between the Mississippi River basin and the lakes. Continue reading →

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Obama to launch major initiative to curb wildlife trafficking

Posted on July 17, 2013 by admin

• Suzanne Goldenberg US environment correspondent • guardian.co.uk, Monday 1 July 2013 16.50 EDT

Barack Obama launched a new initiative against wildlife trafficking on Monday, using his executive authority to take action against an illegal trade that is fuelling rebel wars and now threatens the survival of elephants and rhinoceroses. The initiative, announced as the president visited Tanzania on the final stop of his African tour, was the second time in a week Obama has used an executive order to advance environmental policy, after announcing a sweeping new climate change plan. Monday’s executive order would set up a presidential task force to draw up a new strategy for cracking down on the criminal gangs behind the explosion in trafficking, as well as choke off demand for elephant ivory, rhino tusk and other animal parts. Estimates by conservation groups suggest the illegal trade in wildlife is worth up to $10bn a year. Continue reading →

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Controversy, Tension Surrounding Wolf Hunt Continues

Posted on July 16, 2013 by admin

By KBJR News 1

July 15, 2013 Updated Jul 15, 2013 at 10:56 PM CDT

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(NNCNOW.com) The grey wolf; big and bad or embattled species fighting for survival? Few hunting seasons invoke the passion of this wild animal. For the last two years the once protected grey wolf is now subject to hunts in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Hunters will be allowed to harvest wolves in Minnesota and Wisconsin, again this fall. It’s a decision that continues to be divisive. On one side the lifting of protection has hunters lining up for permits, while on the other side they line up to protest.

“Relationships on this issue are pretty strained in both states right now,” Peter David, Wildlife Biologist of the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission said. Continue reading →

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Pass a Strong Farm Bill

Posted on June 18, 2013 by admin

Posted on June 17, 2013 by greatlakesoutdoors

The Farm Bill will be going to the House floor this week – by Wednesday – with a vote possible as early as Thursday.

If you care about our Great Lakes, our wetlands and upland game habitat – you should care about the Farm Bill.

 We are experiencing a rapid loss of wetland and grassland habitats from land conversion to agriculture and other uses.   The Farm Bill is the largest conservation bill for private lands in our country.  Its no secret that passing this provides a unique opportunity for sportsmen to partner with the farming and ranching community to encourage conservation of fish and wildlife habitat. Farm Bill programs like the CREP, CRP and WRP have made millions of acres on America’s farms and ranches more attractive to fish and wildlife. Continue reading →

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