Thought I'd post this email I got today from BigGame Forever. Please forward and even join BigGame Forever if so inclined.
Folks,
It's starting. Yesterday, the Bureau of Land Management released highly controversial new land use plans for 10 Western states. As predicted, these plans contain millions of acres of "withdrawals," which equates to huge land use closures.
This is a direct attack on the use of our natural resources, and land accessibility for hunting, grazing, job creation and economic productivity. This will make it harder for sportsmen to access these areas and for conservation work to be conducted. It will hurt hardworking families across the West. It also means increased pressure on areas that remain opened. This is not good for conservation. This is not good for sportsmen. Already, many anti-use groups are pushing for even more restrictions saying the new plans do not go far enough. These plans will take effect later this summer.
This is one of the reasons why Big Game Forever has lead the way in supporting Congressional action to protect vital state conservation plans for Sage-grouse. In the last few weeks, the House of Representatives included provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act that address concerns over the repeated attempts to force an Endangered Species listing. The bill also allows states to make the case that these draconian plans from the Bureau of Land Management are unneccessary. Why is this so important? The National Defense Authorization Act is one of only a handful of bills that is expected to pass Congress and signed into law this year. The bill, including the Sage-grouse language, has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives. It will be taken up by the U.S. Senate in coming days.
As you are aware, these BLM plans are being released in anticipation of a decision on whether to list the bird as an endangered species later this year. It will be the third listing decision in a decade for Sage-grouse. Why another decision? Repeated, wasteful lawsuits by special interest groups are pounding the courts until they get their way. These groups think they know better. They do not want the West to enjoy freedoms of economic prosperity, self-sufficiency and outdoor recreation. Simply stated, they want to change our way of life.
Congress has noticed and is stepping up to stop the endless cycle of petitions, litigation and more land closures.
Here are a few quotes from leaders in Congress on today's BLM plans:
Senator Steve Daines-United States Senator from Montana:
I have serious concerns that the Obama administration's land-use plans will have a detrimental impact on Montana's economy, our land users and Montanans' way of life. It's the people of Montana, not federal bureaucrats from Washington, D.C., who know best how to manage our state's resources, land and wildlife. The Obama administration should implement Montana's plan, which best addresses our state's unique needs and can protect the greater sage-grouse, rather than forcing another Washington-driven, one-size-fits-none policy on Montanans.
Congressman Rob Bishop-United States Representative from Utah:
This is just flat out wrong. If the Administration really cares about the bird they will adopt the state plans as they originally said they would. The state plans work. This proposal is only about controlling land, not saving the bird…This announcement is not cooperation, it is not collaboration, and it is not a solution. It is just wrong.
We will need the help of all 65,000 supporters of Big Game Forever. Please send a message to Congress today! Simply visit: Right to Hunt - Big Game Forever It takes just 30 seconds using Big Game Forever's automated system. Sportsmen are a powerful force for good. Your support for Congressional action is key to protecting state management of wildlife and our rights of hunters.
For a more in-depth article on the release of BLM's new land use plans visit: Obama administration lays out controversial plans to protect sage grouse | Fox News
BigGame Forever
Folks,
It's starting. Yesterday, the Bureau of Land Management released highly controversial new land use plans for 10 Western states. As predicted, these plans contain millions of acres of "withdrawals," which equates to huge land use closures.
This is a direct attack on the use of our natural resources, and land accessibility for hunting, grazing, job creation and economic productivity. This will make it harder for sportsmen to access these areas and for conservation work to be conducted. It will hurt hardworking families across the West. It also means increased pressure on areas that remain opened. This is not good for conservation. This is not good for sportsmen. Already, many anti-use groups are pushing for even more restrictions saying the new plans do not go far enough. These plans will take effect later this summer.
This is one of the reasons why Big Game Forever has lead the way in supporting Congressional action to protect vital state conservation plans for Sage-grouse. In the last few weeks, the House of Representatives included provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act that address concerns over the repeated attempts to force an Endangered Species listing. The bill also allows states to make the case that these draconian plans from the Bureau of Land Management are unneccessary. Why is this so important? The National Defense Authorization Act is one of only a handful of bills that is expected to pass Congress and signed into law this year. The bill, including the Sage-grouse language, has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives. It will be taken up by the U.S. Senate in coming days.
As you are aware, these BLM plans are being released in anticipation of a decision on whether to list the bird as an endangered species later this year. It will be the third listing decision in a decade for Sage-grouse. Why another decision? Repeated, wasteful lawsuits by special interest groups are pounding the courts until they get their way. These groups think they know better. They do not want the West to enjoy freedoms of economic prosperity, self-sufficiency and outdoor recreation. Simply stated, they want to change our way of life.
Congress has noticed and is stepping up to stop the endless cycle of petitions, litigation and more land closures.
Here are a few quotes from leaders in Congress on today's BLM plans:
Senator Steve Daines-United States Senator from Montana:
I have serious concerns that the Obama administration's land-use plans will have a detrimental impact on Montana's economy, our land users and Montanans' way of life. It's the people of Montana, not federal bureaucrats from Washington, D.C., who know best how to manage our state's resources, land and wildlife. The Obama administration should implement Montana's plan, which best addresses our state's unique needs and can protect the greater sage-grouse, rather than forcing another Washington-driven, one-size-fits-none policy on Montanans.
Congressman Rob Bishop-United States Representative from Utah:
This is just flat out wrong. If the Administration really cares about the bird they will adopt the state plans as they originally said they would. The state plans work. This proposal is only about controlling land, not saving the bird…This announcement is not cooperation, it is not collaboration, and it is not a solution. It is just wrong.
We will need the help of all 65,000 supporters of Big Game Forever. Please send a message to Congress today! Simply visit: Right to Hunt - Big Game Forever It takes just 30 seconds using Big Game Forever's automated system. Sportsmen are a powerful force for good. Your support for Congressional action is key to protecting state management of wildlife and our rights of hunters.
For a more in-depth article on the release of BLM's new land use plans visit: Obama administration lays out controversial plans to protect sage grouse | Fox News
BigGame Forever
