February 2005 Conservation Notes
by
Winter Rainbow
Something Different This Month
Instead of doing the usual review of the month's conservation items, this month I decided to do something a bit different. Regular readers of the PFF conservation column will know that there are some very critical conservation issues currently in play this year. So this month I decided to use this space to start a letter writing campaign.
Here's the deal. Every so often I will pick a conservation issue and give you the background research necessary for you to understand the issue and to write a well-reasoned letter. Resources may include "talking points", links to relevant documents, and if possible, sample letters. It could not get any easier! The rest is up to you – compose a letter and send it to the relevant authority.
To quote Woody Allen, "Eighty percent of success is just showing up." In our case, if just a small fraction of the PFF members could "show up" by composing and mailing a letter, we will have made a positive contribution to preserving the rivers, lakes, oceans, and riparian habitat that sustains our sport. All the information is right here. Just do it!
Issue: Reduction of Critical Habitat Designations for Pacific Salmon and Steelhead
As a result of a lawsuit brought by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) against NOAA, the administration is planning to "redesignate" the extent of critical habitat originally established to protect endangered Pacific salmon and steelhead. By most accounts, this change could result in an 80% reduction of currently designated habitat and has dire consequences for the recovery of both species. Comments on the proposed rule change are being accepted until March 14, 2005. (Note that the original deadline was February 8 but was subsequently extended.) As usual, all the text below can be cut and pasted easily by selected the text with your mouse and using the Edit->Copy functions.
Designated Recipients
Address letters to:
Be sure to include these two items in your letter. Docket number [041123329-4329-01] and RIN number [0648-AO04]
Email can be sent to:
If you send email, be sure to include the Docket number and RIN number in the subject line.
Background Articles and Documents
- Article in the SF Chronicle, Dec 1, 2004.
- Comments made by fly fishers attending hearing in Rohnert Park.
- Letter from Sen. Barbara Boxer to NOAA administrator.
- Full text of changes published in the Federal Register (big document, 916 KB).
Links to Sample Letters
Please help out and submit your letter! You can make a difference, but only if you act before March 14, 2005.
– Rodney