First a news flash of the very best news anyone could ever read before reporting for Jury Duty
Federal Beaver Killing Program Subject of Pending Lawsuit in New Mexico
A federal program that kills and removes beaver and other aquaticmammals in New Mexico is under scrutiny by conservationists. WildEarth Guardians filed a 60-day notice of intent under the Endangered Species Act to sue the USDA Wildlife Services in New Mexico for its failure to consider the impacts of trapping beaver and the effects this has on associated ponds, and threatened and endangered wildlife, including the Mexican gray wolf and native trout species.
“Beaver is such a critical animal for water supplies and other wildlife, particularly with looming climate change and drought,” said Bryan Bird, Wild Places Program Director for WildEarth Guardians. “The Department of Agriculture failed to consider sufficiently the impacts of trapping and killing beaver on other imperiled wildlife.”
Go read the whole thing and maybe drop some dollars or information in the kitty if you’d like to help. I think I may have just found some new BFF’s.
Onto yesterdays news:
A classy, busy, optic-laden day at Cornerstone in Sonoma. The Martinez beavers were recognized by most of the attendees, many of whom had heard me speak at the Valley of the Moon lecture or planned on attending the Madrone Audubon event in October.
As usual our display was the most inviting and kid friendly, and we had several children make and wear beaver tails. We also talked to several fairly well-off landowners who are eager to get beavers on their property, and a few who were very interested in hearing about sand painting trees and installing flow device on their own,
Highlights included the story of the woman whose 92 year old mother (now deceased) had grown up in Martinez and had always try to convince non-believers that there had been beavers here. The man who wanted to talk about how to encourage beavers on his land. The little girl who had beavers across the street from where she lived. And the several people who worked in Martinez, including the ER dr, the MUSD employee and the courthouse bailiff.
Jon and Cheryl and Cheryl’s mom took turns spelling my beaver spiel and we were all pleased with how much interest we were able to generate. Thanks to Tom Rusert of Somona birding for putting the event together, and thanks to everyone who made it possible. We weren’t exactly preaching to the choir today, but we were spreading the word to folks who are most likely to make it happen.
