Sportsmen and Women Target Congress on Climate Action

NWF   |   October 1, 2007

Dozens of hunters and anglers from across the nation descended on Capitol Hill last week, asking their members of Congress to take strong action on climate change. Organized by the National Wildlife Federation, the unique effort brought sportsmen and women from 12 states to the nation’s capital. They urged Congress to support cap-and-trade legislation cutting carbon emissions two percent a year, putting the U.S. on a path to cut emissions 80% by 2050, with a portion of proceeds going to help wildlife survive the impacts of global warming.

My hats are off to these dedicated men and women. They are doing the most important thing  conservationists can do right now – speaking out to their elected officials on the need to confront global warming now.

The Congressional visits included hunters and anglers from Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Their varied backgrounds break traditional stereotypes of global warming activists. They included

David Crockett, former Chattanooga City Council president and descendent of legendary American frontiersman Davy Crockett

Brett Fitzgerald, a former Special Forces paratrooper and current Florida Snook Federation board member

Carol Rose of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, a regular brook trout fisher in Michigan’s Tahquamenon River.

Other attendees included Brandon Schuler, Nic Callero, Tom Smoot, Bob Rees, Kevin Biegler, Steve Carlton, William Faber, Kelli Alfano, Mark Smith, Ed Perry, John Johnson, Dennis McNair, Catherine Bowes, Steve Wright, Eric Orff, Cary Chamblee, Ben Gregg, David Stoney, John Marshall, Dan Wrinn, Jared Mott, Ryan Maas, and Liz Maas.

With the effects of global warming already impacting fish and wildlife across the United States, strong majorities of hunters and anglers recognize the need for immediate, decisive action. Each one of these participants had a story to share on how their special places are already being impacted by global warming. Hear their stories at

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fgYFE9lYKkY

The National Wildlife Federation’s Hunter and Angler Pledge to Confront Climate Change asks outdoor enthusiasts to make their voices heard and talk about their concerns – both with their friends and with their elected officials. Are you ready to speak out for your special place? To learn more about the pledge and to sign it, visit TargetGlobalWarming.org.

Published: October 1, 2007