Issue 385 | APRIL 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

Ruminations from the Executive Director
In Memory
TWS Celebrates its 75th Anniversary
International Wildlife Management Congress
News from Headquarters
Policy News
Related Wildlife News
Meetings of Interest

RUMINATIONS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Importance of Diversity in the Wildlife Profession

Michael Hutchins, Ph.D., Executive Director/CEO, The Wildlife Society

“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

The wildlife profession does not currently reflect the rainbow of diversity in our country’s increasingly multi-racial and multi-cultural population. For example, women currently constitute only 40 percent of Department of the Interior (DOI) personnel, including 34 percent of its wildlife biologists (Unger 2007). However, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders each account for less than 6 percent of the total. Representation of Native Americans is a bit better at 12.3 percent, due in part because DOI houses the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Canadian agencies are not faring much better, with women and minorities generally underrepresented. The reasons for this are many, ranging from history to economics to culture. However, The Wildlife Society (TWS) believes this must change. In this essay, I explain why gender, ethnic, and cultural diversity is important for the future of our professional society, our profession, and for wildlife management and conservation in general.

The Wildlife Society formulated its current strategic plan in 2008 through an iterative process involving its entire membership and with the final plan being approved by its elected Council. The plan was reassessed and updated by TWS Council in 2010. Under Membership Marketing and Retention, Objective V states the following goal: “To increase the ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity of the membership and profession.” Strategies proposed for moving toward this goal include:
 

1. Highlight examples of diversity in the wildlife profession in The Wildlife Professional.
2. Work with partner government agencies and other relevant organizations to interest and attract a wider array of individuals to the wildlife profession.
3. Consider including a diversity component in the Leadership Institute and include diversity as a topic in leadership training.
4. Explore ways to encourage minority students and professionals to participate in the Annual Conference as a professional development experience.
5. Use the website to highlight and encourage diversity within the wildlife profession.

Many of these actions have been undertaken in the past five years. For example, TWS’ member magazine, The Wildlife Professional, has published a cover package of articles about the importance of diversity in the wildlife profession (Summer 2011) and an article about prominent women wildlife professionals (Nicholson, 2009).

The Society has also worked with federal partners — including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA APHIS, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, and others — to create and implement a professional development program for Native American wildlife students (Unger, 2010). The program, administered and operated by TWS’ Native People’s Wildlife Management Working Group, has been highly successful in bringing qualified Native American wildlife students to TWS’ Annual Conference, where they attend technical paper sessions and a career fair, and network with established wildlife professionals. In 2011, a similar program was developed for other underrepresented ethic groups under the leadership and administration of TWS’ Diversity Working Group. The Native American Professional Development Program won TWS’ Diversity Award in 2012, an award that is intended to recognize excellence in promoting diversity in the wildlife profession.

Under the leadership of then-TWS President Bruce Leopold of Mississippi State University, the 2010 Annual Conference’s Plenary Session was focused on diversity in the wildlife profession. The session included speakers representing a wide range of gender and ethnic diversity, all of whom reiterated the importance of diversity in our profession (Lopez and Brown, 2011). The session received a standing ovation from the assembled delegates.

TWS’ Leadership Institute — a program intended to teach basic leadership skills — has also reflected the growing diversity in our profession. A majority of the participants, whom we select though a highly competitive process, have been women. In addition, in 2011, TWS developed Women of Wildlife (WOW), a group intended to promote and support women in the wildlife profession and to provide mentoring opportunities and advice. A reception to support this group at the 2011 TWS Annual Conference in Hawaii drew hundreds of supporters of both sexes.

More recently, TWS has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to administer a program intended to recruit qualified diversity candidates into a Service career. Through a grant from FWS, TWS hired a Program Coordinator, Courtney Stackhouse, who is promoting and administering the “Pathways Program” on behalf of FWS. More specifically, TWS is helping FWS advertise the program widely and to recruit potential candidates. TWS will also be helping to track the progress of these individuals over time.

What’s the Upside?
So, why should TWS expend so much effort on increasing diversity in the wildlife profession? There are a host of reasons. Some involve the usual arguments for diversity: Finding solutions to difficult challenges is often enhanced when there are a variety of different perspectives at the table, and this is difficult or even impossible to achieve in the absence of diversity. That being said, there is an even more compelling reason to promote diversity when it comes to the future of wildlife management and conservation.

The United States is projected to become a majority-minority nation in the next 50 years (TWS 2012). This increasingly diverse populace makes it even more critical that we seek the direct involvement of a more diverse cadre of individuals in our profession. One of the greatest threats to the future of science-based wildlife management and conservation is a growing public ignorance of ecology and nature, something that author Richard Louv has termed the “Nature Deficit Disorder” (Louv 2005). I wonder how we will generate interest in wildlife or promote public understanding of needed wildlife management and conservation actions if our profession does not reflect the diversity found in our nation?

The credibility of a message, and whether or not it is taken seriously, is often dependent on who is delivering the message and how relevant and understandable the message is to the audience in question. Diverse voices speaking about the importance of science-based wildlife management and conservation will thus become increasingly critical, especially at a time when trust in science and government seems to be waning.

TWS’ foray into this issue has not been without its critics. We received a call from one irate member who wanted to complain about TWS’ “affirmative action” programs. In addition, a recent letter to the editor of The Wildlife Professional asked if diversity should “trump hiring the best candidate?” The author further stated that, “This is a hot button issue among recent college graduates, and there is a lot of resentment” (Waltz 2011).

This, of course, is a legitimate question and one that is often asked when jobs are in short supply and competition is intense. However, for the sake of effective wildlife management and conservation, hiring agencies may need to consider qualifications that don’t necessarily show up on a college transcript or resume in order to determine the “best candidate” for a particular job. Chief among those qualifications is the ability to communicate effectively with an increasingly diverse public, and that may mean seeking out a more diverse and representative workforce. In turn, this may require some soul searching on the part of some agencies to see whether their “corporate culture” carries unconscious biases against non-traditional wildlife professionals.

I’m not suggesting that diversity candidates for governmental or non-governmental positions should be hired based solely on gender or race. Neither has anyone suggested that any individual with a poor academic or work record be hired or retained. Ultimately, any individual’s success in their chosen field will be based on how hard they are willing to work to achieve it. I’m simply saying that given the increasing diversity of the public at large, I feel it’s important that agencies seek candidates who can reflect and connect with that public. In other words, all other things being equal, the ability to engage and communicate effectively with diverse audiences needs to be a factor in hiring decisions.

I have some personal experience with the consequences of diversifying the workforce. Back in the mid-1980s, I was one of three finalists — two men and one woman — for a teaching position at a major university. University administrators hired the woman. I could have become angry by assuming this was “reverse gender discrimination,” but I didn’t feel that way at all. The individual was highly qualified, and, at the time, the university had no women on its wildlife faculty. I fully understood that by hiring a qualified woman for the job, the university was helping to promote significant diversity goals, demonstrating that women had a professional place in what had been a male-dominated workforce, and possibly attracting more women to the faculty and to its wildlife program.

What The Wildlife Society would like to do is to make our profession “safe for diversity.” This means extending an open hand and a welcoming spirit toward everyone who seeks to dedicate their life to the wildlife profession, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other forms of human diversity. From what I’ve seen so far, this attitude is shared by the vast majority of TWS members, including its elected leadership. As a result, TWS’ Annual Conference attendance and membership reflect much more diversity than they did just five short years ago. This will strengthen the organization and the profession, both now and into the future.

References
Lopez, R. and Brown, C.H. 2011. Why diversity matters. The Wildlife Professional 5(2): 20-27.

Louv, R. 2005. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder. Algonquin Books.

Nicholson, K. 2009. Wanted: Female role models. The Wildlife Professional 3(1): 40-42.

The Wildlife Society. 2012. The Wildlife Society Blue Ribbon Panel Final Report: The Future of the Wildlife Profession and  Its Implications for Training the Next Generation of Wildlife Professionals. TWS, Bethesda, MD.

Unger, K. 2007. Exploring diversity in the wildlife profession. The Wildlife Professional 1(4): 20-25.

Unger, K. 2010. Engaging Native American students. The Wildlife Professional 4(4): 46-47

Waltz, C. 2011. Doubts about diversity in hiring (letter). The Wildlife Professional 5(4): 10.

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IN MEMORY

James Garth Teer
13 March 1926–19 March 2012

James G. Teer, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (WFSC) at Texas A&M University (TAMU), died on March, 19 2012, at his home near College Station, Texas. Jim obtained his bachelor’s of science from Texas A&M in 1950, his master’s of science from Iowa State University in 1951, and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1963. From March 1970 until November 1979, Jim served as Head of WFSC. In January 1979, Jim became the third director of the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation and remained in the position for 20 years until retirement. Continue reading.

 

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TWS CELEBRATES ITS 75Th ANNIVERSARY
As part of our 75th Anniversary celebration, each issue of The Wildlifer features articles on the history of the Society by John F. Organ, Chair, TWS History Committee.

The Wildlife Society’s Vision Entering the “Golden Years” of the 1950’s

Entering the 1950’s, The Wildlife Society had over ten years under its belt and was picking up steam after losing momentum during World War II. The Journal of Wildlife Management was (and still is) TWS’s flagship publication. Much of what was being published in JWM was descriptive work. Indeed, the wildlife management field was young and a lot of very basic information was needed. Papers were being published on identifying duck nests, measuring raccoon productivity, mourning dove migration, determining game bird eggs, denning characteristics of red foxes, and so on.

Clarence Cottam began his career with the U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey in 1929, and by 1946 he was Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He had led a distinguished career as a federal wildlife researcher, publishing numerous papers and a book titled Food Habits of American Diving Ducks (1939). In 1955 Cottam became the first Director of the Welder Wildlife Foundation in Sinton, Texas. That same year he was awarded the Aldo Leopold Medal by The Wildlife Society. In 1949, while Assistant Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, Cottam reflected on the role research had played and the many contributions it had made to the young field of wildlife management.

Cottam credited research conducted at the Cooperative Wildlife Research Units (10 were in existence at that time), major universities, and the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration program with increasing public awareness that natural resources were not limitless. He observed that research had clearly established the inter-relatedness of natural resources, and he expressed the need when initiating wildlife management to start with an understanding of soil and water resources. Cottam noted that the training of wildlife professionals within the Cooperative Units and the standards imposed by the Pittman-Robertson program had elevated the standards of state fish and wildlife agencies. He said that those who had been hired years before for political expediency were being replaced by expertly trained biologists.

Cottam spoke about the investment in waterfowl research. He said that knowledge gained on population fluctuations, census techniques, migration patterns, distribution, nesting and food habits had prevented the “complete collapse of the sport of waterfowl shooting.” He talked also about advances in disease research – particularly botulism – and how perhaps millions of wildlife had been saved as a result. Cottam mentioned how the population and habitat research on upland game birds had influenced management of hunting programs and led to greater sustainability. He also mentioned the recent advances in research on the effects of toxicants such as DDT, 2,4-D, and 1080 on wildlife.

The purpose of Cottam’s observations was not to place laurels on the institution of wildlife research; rather, he saw urgent needs for research in order to deal with current and emerging challenges. I think we will recognize some of these challenges expressed more than 60 years ago as germane to our current needs.

Cottam expressed the need for wildlife research to have integrity and present results based on scientific facts. He said “Experience should have taught us by now that among the worst enemies of research – and, in fact, of all wildlife and fishery resources – are expedient, patronage-seeking partisan politicians of all brands.” 

Cottam foresaw the need for human dimensions research. He stated “To ignore the public in a democracy cannot but prove disastrous.” Cottam believed that lack of public support for conservation was a failure of wildlife research. He also observed a dilemma, describing it as the lack of realization among the public that problems of wildlife and fishery resources are as technical and complex as the problems of most other fields. He noted that someone who happens to be a hunter or angler tends to consider themselves expert in fish and wildlife matters. He contrasted this to the professions of law and medicine, where it is unlikely that anyone without specialized training will unduly influence decisions.

Cottam outlined a number of pressing research needs, ranging from effects of radiation on wildlife and fishery resources, the need to have greater understanding of interrelationships among plants, animals and habitats, the effects of lead poisoning, and the impacts of invasive plant species. He also observed that the controversy over predator control was still at the forefront. He endorsed an ecological approach, with careful study, to appraising the relationships between predators and prey, and more selective means of control and greater understanding of when such control is in the public interest.

Cottam reflected on the magnitude of problems affecting wildlife that demanded greater knowledge through research. It was daunting then, as it is today. He noted that enormous amounts of money had been expended on cancer research, and the problem was far from solved. But he also noted that dabbling with pitch balls and a glass rod rubbed with silk ultimately gave the world the power to make, manage, and use electricity. 

We are now in the year 2012, and our research plate is overflowing.  Current questions range from the cellular level in understanding wildlife disease etiology to how climate trends will affect distribution and abundance of wildlife in 100 years and beyond. A fundamental problem facing the wildlife profession in 1950 is still with us today – lack of resources and broad public support for research. The maturation of human dimensions as a discipline has given us insights and occasionally taken us out of the woods and into society to study what is important to people relative to fish and wildlife. The Wildlife Society has been a leader in this, publishing important research in the Wildlife Society Bulletin as well as the JWM. We have taken another step with The Wildlife Professional, an outlet that while designed for the practicing wildlifer, is much more accessible to the general public. Cottam knew 60 years ago, that unless we understood what mattered to people, and could communicate our research findings in ways that related to these concerns, we would falter. More than ever, we need to not only think of the larger audience, but focus at least some of our research on those things that will matter most to them.

Historic Treasures from TWS Members
As part of TWS’ 75th anniversary celebration, The Wildlife Professional is planning an article called “Attics and Basements: Historic Treasures from TWS Members.” We’re looking for fun, interesting, educational memorabilia that TWS members have collected through the years, related to their work. For example, does anyone have a paper marked up by Aldo Leopold? An early GPS unit, radio collar, or other piece of classic wildlife equipment? A rare animal skin confiscated in a trafficking bust? Historic documents, tools, signed first-edition books, photographs, recordings, conference pins, field gear, skulls, etc.? We’d like a photograph of the item and a brief explanation of its significance and when and how it was acquired. If you’ve got a submission, please email Lisa Moore, Editor-in-Chief of The Wildlife Professional, lmoore@wildlife.org, and please put “Memorabilia” in the subject line. Many thanks!

 

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INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT CONGRESS

Special discounted early bird registration has been extended to April 23. Join your professional wildlife colleagues from more than 25 countries at the IV IWMC taking place July 9-12 in Durban, South Africa. Registration information.

 

 

 

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NEWS FROM HEADQUARTERS

75 for Our 75th
This year we are marking our 75th anniversary as a Society with special festivities at our Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon, October 13-18, 2012. We hope to be able to announce that seventy-five members have stepped forward to ensure the future of TWS by making a legacy gift. We are more than halfway there!  Join this special group of members by notifying us of your intentions today.

Most legacy gifts — gifts by bequest, life insurance or by naming TWS a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets — require no immediate donation, you can change your mind at any time and there is no minimum contribution required. If you have included TWS in your plans, please let us know so we can be sure you are a part of the special recognition we have planned.  Contact Darryl Walter at dwalter@wildlife.org for more information.

TWS Online Mentor/Mentee Site
Are you an established wildlife professional that wants to help the next generation of wildlife professionals? Are you a student or your professional looking for career guidance? The Wildlife Society Online Mentor/Mentee site is the place for you. You can find out more about the mentor/mentee site and register to participate by visiting the Mentorship Center.

 

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POLICY NEWS

• Coming Soon: TWS Action Center!
• TWS Comments on FY 2013 Federal Budget
• Concerns Aired on Conflict Between Feral Horses and Sage-Grouse
• Canadian Section Comments on Fisheries Act Amendment
• Testimony Opposing Cormorant Management Bill Submitted
• TWS Supports New Clean Water Act Guidance
• DOI Urged to Evaluate Impacts of New Forest Policy on Spotted Owls
• New Technical Review on Carnivore Management Now Available
• Reminder: Position Statement Open for Member Comment
  • Wildlife Disease
• Take Action!
  • Tell Congress to Support Funding for State Wildlife Grants

Coming Soon: TWS Action Center!
Soon we’ll be launching a new Action Center on the TWS website. The TWS Action Center is an easy-to-use tool that enables our members in the U.S. to quickly and effectively communicate with their elected officials. Wildlife management and conservation is affected every day by the decisions that lawmakers make. For example, Congress annually appropriates funds for the wildlife management, conservation, and research activities conducted by the federal agencies. Even state fish and wildlife agencies receive crucial funding for their programs through this process. This new action center will give you the ability to provide the benefit of your experience and scientific expertise to your elected officials, helping them make decisions that will benefit wildlife management and conservation.

Through the action center, you will be able to easily look up your elected officials based on your zip code and send them a message on issues of importance to you, receive and respond to action alerts from TWS when our members’ voices need to be heard, and contact newspapers in your area with letters to the editor.

You’ll receive an email when the Action Center is launched later this month. Don’t want to receive action alerts from TWS?  Or do you want to receive alerts to a different email address than the one you have listed in our membership database? That email will have links to allow you to opt out or change your email address in the Action Center’s database. Concerned about whether you’re allowed to lobby or not? We’ll have guidance on that, too. The TWS Action Center will help the Society continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that wildlife policy decisions are science-based and practical – but we can’t do it without your help!

TWS Comments on 2013 Federal Budget
Throughout March 2012 TWS submitted testimony regarding the Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) federal budget to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. In a letter to the agriculture appropriations subcommittee, TWS commented on the budget request for the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, a voluntary Farm Bill program for landowners who want to improve wildlife habitat on agricultural, non-industrial, and Indian land. TWS asked that this program, which has proven effective while garnering public involvement in conservation, be fully funded at $85 million for FY13. TWS also requested funding of $94 million for Wildlife Services within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service — a $10 million increase from the President's current request for Wildlife Services.

Within the Department of the Interior, TWS asked Congress to appropriate $70 million for State and Tribal Wildlife Grants in FY13. This is the primary program supporting implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans, which detail conservation actions needed on the ground in every state to prevent endangered species listing of currently common species. TWS also recommended that Congress fund the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Operations and Management sector at $495 million and the Inventory and Monitoring program at $3 million.

Concerns Aired on Conflict Between Feral Horses and Sage-Grouse
On March 23, 2012, TWS provided a second set of comments on the U.S. Forest Service/Bureau of Land Management Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to Incorporate Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Measures into Land Use Plans and Land Management Plans. TWS submitted its initial comments on the plan in February. This second letter highlights TWS’ concerns about the apparent conflict between conservation of native greater sage-grouse and the BLM’s management of feral horses and burros, which are non-native, exotic species. TWS encouraged the BLM to examine feral horse use of sage-grouse habitat and take appropriate actions to ensure that feral horses do not further contribute to the decline in sage-grouse numbers. Although the BLM has certain obligations set by legislation regarding the management of feral horses, TWS believes such obligations should not take precedence over management and conservation of the native greater sage-grouse.

Canadian Section Comments on Fisheries Act Amendment
On March 26, 2012, the Canadian Section of TWS submitted a letter to the Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans expressing concern over the proposed amendments to the Canadian Fisheries Act that will remove provisions to protect fish habitat, and refocus protection efforts on fish that are, “…economically, culturally or ecologically significant.” As explained in the letter, failing to maintain sufficient fish habitat to support viable populations will result in the loss of such populations. Many species in Canadian lakes, rivers and coastal areas are secure and at little risk of depletion, but the proposed changes would reduce the Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s ability to protect habitat for those species that may be at risk of, or currently are, in decline. TWS recognizes that, while it has been amended various times, the current version of the Canadian Fisheries Act dates back to 1867 and revisions may be needed. However, the removal of habitat protection provisions is an ineffective and perhaps flawed solution to these problems.

Testimony Opposing Cormorant Management Bill Submitted
On March 27, 2012, TWS submitted written testimony to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife in opposition of H.R. 3074, the “Cormorant Management and Natural Resources Protection Act.” The Subcommittee held a hearing on the legislation on March 29, which would amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to shift authority from the Secretary of the Interior to a state, upon approval the state’s cormorant management plan. TWS opposes H.R. 3074 because it is duplicative of the Environmental Assessment (EA) recently developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regarding revised regulations governing the management of double-crested cormorants, which is currently open for public comment, and the legislation is ineffective in addressing the concerns of stakeholders in relation to cormorant damage management – an objective currently incorporated in the draft EA.

TWS Supports New Clean Water Act Guidance
On March 30, 2012, TWS signed onto a letter with 13 other sportsmen and conservation organizations asking Congress to oppose any legislation that would hinder Clean Water Act (CWA) guidance currently being reviewed and finalized in an interagency process which would clarify and restore long-standing CWA protections for streams and wetlands across the country. The guidance, proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), maintains existing exemptions for normal agricultural activity, and at the same time, provides increased clarity and consistency that is badly needed by land owners, developers, conservationists, and state and federal agencies alike. The guidance was met with overwhelming support, receiving over 200,000 public comments directed to the EPA.

DOI Urged to Evaluate Impacts of New Forest Policy on Spotted Owls
TWS partnered with The Society for Conservation Biology and The American Ornithologists Union to write Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on April 2, 2012, regarding the need to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of proposed active forest management in designated spotted owl critical habitat in the Pacific Northwest. The letter discusses the necessity of a scientific peer review process in determining the validity of policy actions justified as “active management.” The organizations believe that the proposed policy changes have the potential to adversely impact federal lands to the detriment of spotted owls and other federally threatened and endangered species in the region. Additionally, the letter states that to meet the best available science mandate of the Endangered Species Act, the broad aspirations laid out in the President’s March 2009 Memorandum on Scientific Integrity, and the Department of the Interior’s own policy on scientific integrity, an EIS accompanied by full scientific peer-review should be completed to guide any active management forestry practices in the spotted owl’s critical habitat.   

New Technical Review on Carnivore Management Now Available
TWS is pleased to announce the availability of the newly published Technical Review on Management of Large Mammalian Carnivores. TWS Members and registered non-members can download the final document from the Technical Reviews page. Hard copies are also available for purchase from TWS’ Bookstore. The technical review addresses conflicts between large carnivores and human interests as well as the role of these large species in maintaining healthy ecosystems in many regions. Additionally, the review outlines current management strategies to increase, maintain, or reduce populations of large mammalian carnivores, while taking into account the population of certain ungulate prey and their relation to predators, social pressures and attitudes of the public towards predators, and the effects of sport hunting and trapping on carnivore population dynamics. Species of carnivores evaluated in this review include brown bears, black bears, coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions.

Reminder: Position Statement Open for Member Comment

Wildlife Disease
TWS has drafted a position statement on Wildlife Disease which is open for member comment until June 1, 2012. The draft position statement outlines the important role of wildlife diseases in natural ecosystems, their potential adverse effects on populations and ecosystems, factors driving disease emergence in wildlife populations, and the implications of these diseases for human and domestic animal health.

Please view the full position statement when drafting comments. Comments inserted into a PDF are preferred. When possible, please refer to line numbers in your comments. Comments should be emailed to ccarmichael@wildlife.org, or mailed to:

Christine Carmichael
Government Affairs Associate
The Wildlife Society
5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814
 
Take Action!

Tell Congress to Support Funding for State Wildlife Grants

Contact the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies to show support for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program, the core program to prevent species from becoming endangered.

You can find more information on the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition website.

Please send emails to the following addresses: INT@appro.senate.gov, peter_kiefhaber@appro.senate.gov, leif_fonnesbeck@appro.senate.gov, dave.lesstrang@mail.house.gov, rick.healy@mail.house.gov.

Feel free to use the following sample letter when writing to the Chairperson and Ranking Minority Leader in both the House and Senate subcommittees.

Senator Jack Reed
Chairman, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate

Senator Lisa Murkowski
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate

Michael K. Simpson
Chairman, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
United States House of Representatives

James P. Moran
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
United States House of Representatives
 
(Date)

Dear (member name):

I am contacting you to express support for the most robust funding possible of the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program for FY13. This is the only program with the specific purpose of preventing endangered species listings and is needed to implement State Wildlife Action Plans. This program also contributes to the 9.4 million jobs; $107 billion in federal, state and local taxes; and $1.06 trillion in economic activity attributed to outdoor recreation, nature conservation and historic preservation.

The State and Tribal Grants Program supports strategic and effective conservation investments in every state and territory and on tribal lands. Funding for this popular program is supported by the national Teaming with Wildlife coalition which includes 6,366 organizations and businesses representing millions of birdwatchers, hunters, anglers, hikers and other outdoor recreationists who support the goal of restoring and conserving our nation's at-risk fish and wildlife.

The program is used to implement State Wildlife Action Plans that were developed collaboratively by leading scientists, sportsmen, conservationists and private landowners and identified the most effective and practical means to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.

I am aware that the President’s budget request is $61.3 million (level to FY12) and ask that you provide the most robust funding possible for this important program in FY13. I also ask that you maintain the non-federal match requirement at 35% for FY13.

Thank You,

(your name here)

 

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RELATED WILDLIFE NEWS

Suggestions Sought for the 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference Agenda
The 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference will be held March 24-29, 2013, in Arlington, Virginia. The Conference Steering Committee is seeking ideas and participation from professional conservation interests to help develop the conference agenda. In particular, recommendations for topics, potential co-chairs and presenters for four Special Sessions are invited. Ideas for prospective plenary keynoters are also welcome.

Special Sessions topics address timely policy and program issues and opportunities related to the practical and philosophical professional management of natural resources. The Steering Committee gives foremost consideration to recommendations that are fully framed for the two-hour time period each Special Session is allotted following the Opening (plenary) Session on Wednesday morning, March 27. However, all ideas are given careful consideration.

Recommendations and suggestions should be emailed to Conference Chairman Matt Dunfee at mdunfee@wildlifemgt.org by April 20.

Integrative Zoology Special Issue Call for Papers
Long-term Research on Animal Populations and Communities for Submissions are sought for a special issue in long-term research for Integrative Zoology. Topics of the special issue include, but are not limited to, dynamics and regulation of vertebrate populations and communities, climatic effects, and conservation and management of vertebrate species. Topics can be presented as case studies, synthesis and reviews, and methods for long-term population and community studies.
 
Integrative Zoology is a peer-reviewed journal published by the International Society of Zoological Sciences. Integrative Zoology has received its first SCI impact factor of 1.0 in 2010. You can access its tables of content of current and previous issues.
 
The special issue is scheduled to appear in September 2013. If you would like to submit a manuscript to this special issue, please email the title of your manuscript before June, 30 2012. The deadline for manuscript submission is December, 1 2012. Manuscripts need to be submitted online at the journal's manuscript center. View the author guidelines are available. All manuscripts will be doubly-blind reviewed by two referees.

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MEETINGS OF INTEREST

Transforming Conflict to Create Sustainable Solutions for People and Wildlife
Four-day HWCC Training, November 5-8, 2012, Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas. Registration Fee: $1500 per person (includes materials, lunches and an evening reception). Deadline for Registration: September 30, 2012. For more information visit the Human Wildlife Conflict website or email Francine Madden at francine@humanwildlifeconflict.org.

Likelihood and Bayesian Approaches to Data Analysis for Ecologists
The Roosevelt Wild Life Station announces a week-long workshop to be held this May at SUNY ESF (Syracuse, N.Y.) that provides an introduction to the use of statistical models as a tool to understand and predict ecological processes. For more information and to register, visit the site. 

Remember to check out The Wildlife Society online calendar for a full list of meetings of interest from TWS Sections, Chapters, and Workings Groups, as well as from other organizations.