Weekly News Roundup: Fighting for Brown Bears and more

Alaska’s Bristol Bay, which is home to brown bears and the largest runs of salmon in the world, might be at risk according to the National Wildlife Federation. Mining organizations are proposing the creation of the Pebble Mine, an immense mine that would be built right on brown bear and salmon habitat. This alleged mine would poison waterways in this region, but wildlife enthusiasts everywhere are fighting to protect Bristol Bay and its habitats!

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In other news, the National Wildlife Federation has been hard at work convincing President Obama to expand a marine national monument. If you haven’t already heard, this monument would help protect wildlife in the Pacific!

Do your part! Speak out today for brown bears and wild salmon by urging the Environmental Protection Agency to protect Bristol Bay!

 

What’s happening at the National Wildlife Federation this week?

NWF joins sportsmen, conservation and business leaders to defend public lands

grand canyon north rimAugust 14 – Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar joined Collin O’Mara, the National Wildlife Federation’s CEO and president, and business and conservation leaders Thursday to speak out for conserving America’s public lands and against attempts to sell or get rid of the lands that sustain fish and wildlife populations as well as hunting, fishing and the country’s multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry.

The National Wildlife Federation’s 49 state affiliates have unanimously approved a resolution that calls for keeping public lands in public hands and opposes large-scale exchanges, sales or giveaways of federally managed lands. This week, 41 of the state affiliates sent a letter to the Republican National Committee asking that it rescind a resolution adopted this year that urges Congress to turn over public lands to the Western states that want them.

Good News: Gulf Restoration Guidelines Released

oystersAugust 13 – This morning, the Treasury Department released an Interim Final Rule describing how RESTORE Act funds can be spent.

David White, Director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf of Mexico Restoration Campaign said:

“The headlines from the past few weeks make it eminently clear that the Gulf of Mexico is in dire need of restoration: Oyster production throughout the Gulf remains low, the number of sea turtle nests appear to be dropping, additional damaged corals have been discovered and the dead zone is the size of Connecticut.

New Report: Sustainable Agriculture is a Gold Mine for Rural Entrepreneurs

TractorAugust 12 – There’s a new opening for rural America to create jobs and make farming more future-friendly, according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation. The Growing Business of Cover Crops details new business opportunities arising from a resurgence in the ancient practice of cover crops.

Opportunity is growing on America’s farms. Over the last decade, many farmers started using cover crops—non commodity crops used to protect soil and nutrients – creating a niche market for rural entrepreneurs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports a 38 percent increase in cover crop acres from 2012 to 2013, with the average farmer willing to pay $40 per acre on cover crops. For the average-sized farm (420 acres) that means $16,800 per farm spent on cover crops each year.

 

NWF in the News:

Climate Progress: Former Interior Secretary Slams GOP Effort to Seize and Sell America’s Public Lands

Collin O’Mara, CEO and President of NWF, emphasized that America’s public lands are “absolutely essential,” adding that the “consequences of these types of proposals, if enacted, would be devastating for local communities.”

The Washington Post: He used to fight Republicans at every step. Now he needs their help.

“Szollosi earned graduate degrees at the University of Michigan and took a job with the National Wildlife Federation, where he urges lawmakers –and citizens – of all affiliations to worry more about climate change and the Great Lakes.”

The Times-Picayune: Louisiana and 20 coastal parishes to share 20 percent of initial Restore Act money

David White, director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf of Mexico Restoration Campaign also praised the new rules, calling them “a positive step on the long journey to improve the health of the Gulf.” He noted recent news about low oyster production in the Gulf, additional damaged corals found and a low-oxygen “dead zone” this year the size of Connecticut.

The Toledo Blade: Groups reach out to union members

“Frank Szollosi, a manager at the regional outreach campaign for the National Wildlife Federation, said the devastating algae bloom signifies why cleaning up the environment is important. Mr. Szollosi, a former member of Toledo City Council, said it’s important that industry find a way to help the environment.”

Augusta Free Press: Wildlife Center of Virginia certified as official National Wildlife Federation site

“NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program has been helping people take personal action on behalf of wildlife for more than 40 years. The program engages homeowners, businesses, schools, churches, parks and other institutions that want to make their communities wildlife friendly.”