Spring 2000
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Spring 2000 |
Looking back and ahead in the new millenium
This new century marks the 30th anniversary of Earth Day and is a good time to look back at what has happened to fish and wildlife and other natural resources since April 22, 1970. Be sure to check out that retrospective by WDFW’s director Jeff Koenings on page 4 of this edition; the picture is gloomy, but helps us focus on what needs fixing.
On the brighter side and looking ahead, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) you read about in last fall’s edition recently moved out of committee and to the floor of the House of Representatives with two-thirds of their support. This landmark legislation would provide conservation efforts the largest infusion of federal funds in history, $44 billion over the next 15 years ($3 billion annually) using revenue from current (no new) offshore oil leases.
Most would go to state and local wildlife and habitat protection, education and recreation efforts, like fixing what’s needed fixing for at least 30 years.
Washington could see as much as $35 million annually for “Watchable Wildlife” development, classroom programs like Project WILD, “Keep common species common” work, and many other endeavors — even support for the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program!
For more information and to track CARA, see www.teaming.com.
Meanwhile, check out our website version of this newsletter at www.wa.gov/wdfw and let us know if you want to switch from the paper copy to online only.
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