National Forest Budgets Slashed?
Robert Dewey - Defenders of Wildlfie
The federal government provides critical funding that protects wolverines, lynx and other imperiled wildlife and the places they call home.
But funding for vital conservation efforts could be cut by this Congress – putting our wildlife and wild places at risk.
But funding for conservation efforts could be cut by Congress. Will you send a message to your elected officials now and speak up for our national forests, refuges and wildlife protection programs?
President Obama recently released his 2013 budget that outlines specific increases for vital conservation programs. Now we need Congress to act.
The National Wildlife Refuge System is the largest land and water system in the world dedicated to wildlife conservation. We need Congress to appropriate an increased budget to allow for new operational and enforcement measures on Refuges in all 50 states.
In recent years, we’ve made big strides to protect some of the most imperiled animals around like manatees, lynx and ocelots. An increased budget for Endangered Species Act protections could mean more species like the wolverine could be protected under federal law.
Some of the most important lands protected by our federal government are under the Bureau of Land Management. BLM manages more land than any other federal agency and is responsible for 270 endangered plants and animals. Funding for their programs is vital to the success of these endangered species.
An increase in funding for BLM could mean more lands protected by the federal government, and more homes for imperiled animals.
Your elected officials could make the difference for wildlife. Urge Congress to support conservation efforts and support an increases in vital conservation funding.
The National Forest Service is responsible for some of the most sensitive lands and animals in the country. Many of the most iconic animals in the country like grizzly bears, wolverines and elk call Forest Service lands home, and increasing funding for these efforts is hugely important for the future of these animals.
These investments in conservation programs not only benefit wildlife struggling to survive, they are also important for the economy. Each year, the wildlife recreation industry contributes $122 billion to the national economy. From camping to hiking, boating to hunting, the great outdoors are a big draw for Americans across the country.
Please urge your elected officials to support these important conservation programs.
Appropriation requests are due by Congress later this month, so we need to make sure that your elected officials speaks up for an increase in funding for our wildlife and public lands. Send your message now, before it’s too late.
Support Conservation Funding
Animals like wolverines could soon receive federal protections under the Endangered Species Act, but if conservation funding is cut, these elusive animals could be left out in the cold.
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Sincerely,
 |
Robert Dewey
Vice President for Government Relations Defenders of Wildlife |