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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Great Lakes Governors Unite To Protect Great Lakes

Posted on June 4, 2013 by admin

This past weekend, I joined several business, conservation, and industry leaders at the Great Lakes Governors summit on Mackinac Island, Michigan.  Our setting was the historic Grand Hotel which provided a fresh venue overlooking the Straits of Mackinac.  Clearly, this was the right atmosphere for this important meeting.

Great Lakes Governors_Smit

WI Gov. Scott Walker, Il Gov. Pat Quinn, MI Gov. Rick Snyder, ONT Premier Wynn, and IN Gov. Mike Pence – Photo: AP

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder kicked off the summit with a strong message that economic prosperity and Great Lakes restoration go hand-in-hand.  This set the tone for the weekend. Continue reading →

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Snyder signs bills to better manage Michigan wildlife/wolves

Posted on May 13, 2013 by admin

Posted on May 8, 2013 by ABC 10

LANSING, Mich. – Legislation authorizing the state Natural Resources Commission to designate game species in Michigan was signed today by Gov. Rick Snyder.

Senate Bill 288, sponsored by state Sen. Tom Casperson, gives the commission the responsibility to establish managed open season hunts for wild game and authority to regulate the taking of fish. It exempts the taking of mourning doves, pets and livestock. The Legislature maintains its ability to both add and remove species on the list. Continue reading →

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