Wildlife Agencies and National Wildlife Federation Call on Congress to Stop Invasive Species
Roanoke, VA (June 20)—Wildlife agencies from all 50 states joined the National Wildlife Federation today in calling on Congress to shut the door on invasive species.
“The United States is under attack from invasive species, and it’s time for Congress to take a stand to protect America’s fish and wildlife, economy, and way of life,” said Corry Westbrook, legislative representative for the National Wildlife Federation. “The longer we wait, the worse the problem of invasive species gets and the more expensive the solutions become. The time to act is now.”
The announcement came on June 20, 2007, as the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and NWF sent a letter to the U.S. Congress urging immediate action to stop invasive species.
“Congressional inaction has saddled state wildlife agencies with the burden of dealing with invasive species,” Westbrook said. “Our message to Congress is simple: We have manageable solutions to this problem. It’s time to use them. Delay will only make matters worse.”
Comprehensive legislation to combat aquatic invasive species sits dormant in the U.S. Congress. Elected officials have failed to vote on comprehensive invasive species legislation, the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act, for four years in a row.
“Congressional delay is exacerbating an already serious problem,” said Westbrook. “The good news is that we have solutions to protect our fish and wildlife and ensure that people have abundant fishing and hunting opportunities now and for generations to come. It all hinges on whether Congress will exert leadership on this issue.”
Aquatic and terrestrial invasive species cost more than $120 billion annually in damage and control costs.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies represents the fish and wildlife professionals in the 50 states and six territories, and the federal agencies of the United States.
The National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.
Late-Calving Cows Can Be Costly – A Tip From American Cowman
Kris Ringwall, Extension beef specialist with North Dakota State University, encourages producers to analyze their herds as summer breeding wraps up.
He says, each year an operation accumulates some odds and ends, but if feed is looking short, don’t hesitate to sell. Early sales can free up acreage for younger, more productive cows. Waiting until everyone decides to sell is not the answer, either, so plan ahead. Read more at the American Cowman Web site.
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