Weekly News Roundup – April 6, 2012

Want to know what National Wildlife Federation was up to this week? Here is a recap of the week’s NWF news:

Growing Risk for Taxpayers and Wildlife

April 4 – Good biofuel crops can make great invasive species. That’s one of the findings of a new report released today by the National Wildlife Federation. Growing Risk: Addressing the Invasive Potential of Bioenergy Feedstocks explores the challenges and policy solutions surrounding the use of non-native and potentially invasive bioenergy crops. Numerous non-native and genetically modified species are already being considered for use as biomass feedstocks. Growing these plants may appear to be a great source of homegrown renewable energy, but without proper precaution, producers run the risk of unleashing the next big invasive species catastrophe that could devastate native ecosystems, deplete scarce water resources and require significant resources to control.

“Invasive species cost taxpayers billions of dollars every year and put ecosystems and wildlife at risk,” said Aviva Glaser, legislative representative for agriculture policy for the National Wildlife Federation. “As bioenergy development moves forward, it is critical that feedstocks are chosen with care. Proper caution must be taken to minimize the risk of invasion and ensure that the next generation of bioenergy does not fuel the next invasive species problem.”

Award-Winning Calendar Portrays NWF’s Commitment to Conservation

April 2 – National Wildlife Federation has been named a Silver Award winner by the Calendar Marketing Association as part of its 2012 National and World Calendar Awards competition. National Wildlife Federation’s 2011-2012 calendar, Treasures of Wildlife, won in the Best Animal/Wildlife Photography category. The calendar features spectacular photos and fascinating facts about wildlife.

“We share this success with our members, who have supported our efforts since 1936,” said Anne Senft, National Wildlife Federation vice president of membership and online marketing. “Treasures of Wildlife not only features beautiful images of wildlife, it also highlights NWF’s promise to our members that we work 365 days a year to protect America’s wildlife and the wild places on which they depend.”

And here are highlights from NWF in the News:

For more, visit www.nwf.org/News