Some “physical trama” was cause-
A very odd story. This happened 30 minutes before midnight on New Year’s Eve.
More than 1,000 dead blackbirds fall from sky in Arkansas. AP in MSNBC
Alan Gregory’s Conservation News- Marine life on a warming planet
- Oklahoma, where the denial comes right before the drought
- Plants will be hard put to handle greenhouse gases, scientists say
- The quote of the week
- Appeal filed over Blair Mountain strip mining in W.Va.
- Dr. James Hansen: Climate change is happening now
- The pledge of wildlands
- Prairie dog disease confirmed in South Dakota
- NASA: Ice sheet decline at both poles increasing
- An area of Arctic ice bigger than the U.S. melted this year
1,000 plus dead blackbirds fall from sky in Arkansas, ushering in New Year
January 1, 2011 — Ralph MaughanIdahoans plan next moves against big oil’s megaloads
January 1, 2011 — Ralph MaughanWith first, 4 megaloads likely to get go ahead, how can the next 200+ be stopped?
” ‘In some respects it would be nice to get the four loads off the table so we could talk about the real issues,’ said [Linwood] Laughy, who lives along the federal scenic byway in Kooskia, Idaho.”
Laughy is saying movement of the first 4, the only America- bound loads up Highway 12, will show how accurate the objections to and promises being made are.
Read the rest of the AP story in the Idaho Statesman. “Foes of megaloads to decide on path forward.”
Of course, the loads are still sitting in the port of Lewiston, ID and central Idaho is locked in deep winter. Weather, courts could stall Idaho megaloads. Dec 29, 2010. By The Associated Press.
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While the usual international corporation supporters back the megaloads, the major group opposing them is the Idaho-based public interest law firm, Advocates for the West.
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Earlier NYT story on local residents opposing megaloads. Oil Sands Effort Turns on a Fight Over a Road. By Tom Zeller
Western Washington’s bighorns slammed by disease
December 30, 2010 — Ralph MaughanAnother 2010-was-a-deadly-year-for-bighorn story-
The culprit is almost entirely pneumonia, and almost all of it, maybe all of it, comes from domestic sheep and goats. The Western Watersheds Project, and closely related groups like Advocates for the West, are just about the only organizations that are willing to step forward, tell the truth, and go after the offending herds of livestock. I hope folks will consider and give WWP and Advocates a donation if the appalling death tool of bighorn sheep in the West bothers you. Ralph Maughan
Western Washington’s bighorns slammed by disease. Outdoors Blog. The Spokesman Review.
– – – – –
Related Dec. 31. Bighorn sheep killed on Montana highway one. AP (in Great Falls Tribune). I remember posting an almost identical story for the same place a couple years ago. Some money needs to be spent at this location. “a state wildlife biologist says between four to 15 of the animals are killed every year [at this location]*
Wyoming to spend $9.7M to protect pronghorn
December 29, 2010 — Ralph MaughanFinally, it looks like a real effort to keep antelope bottlenecks west of Pinedale from closing-
Over the years, we have written about the Trapper’s Point pronghorn migration bottleneck a number of times. There has been growing awareness that the thousands-of-year-old antelope migration from the Wyoming high desert over the Gros Ventre each year, down into Jackson Hole could easily be severed by increasing development.
I had heard something was being done. This summer I visited Trappers Point, walked all around, took photos, but saw no changes to the situation had been made. Today the Jackson Hole News and Guide has some good news. There will be an expansive and expensive overpass built at Trappers Point and another at a dangerous highway crossing about 5 miles to the NW, north of Daniel Junction.
Of course, these overpasses will benefit other kinds of wildlife hit on the highways in this area of increasing traffic and development from the gas fields and subdivisions.
State to spend $9.7M to protect pronghorn: Plan would build fences, highway underpasses and overpasses in Sublette County (WY). By Cory Hatch, Jackson Hole News and Guide.
Hearing officer says “yes” to first 4 oil megaloads
December 29, 2010 — Ralph MaughanThe next 200 or so loads are still on the table-
Boise attorney Merlyn Clark, hearing officer on the oil megaloads that will use U.S. Highway 12 across north central Idaho into Montana has ruled that the first 4 megaloads could be transported safely with “minimum inconvenience” up narrow U.S. Highway 12 to the Montana border (Lolo Pass).
These giant loads have been sitting at Idaho’s sea port of Lewiston for a month now. There is still some paperwork before their transport can begin, but little doubt we will see what actually happens as they take them up along the Clearwater and Lochsa River to the Bitterroot Divide and down into Montana. The first 4 loads are for the Billings, MT oil refinery, not the Alberta tar sand pits.
The usual groups, such as the Idaho Farm Bureau (how is this a farm issue?), have been promoting the idea that moving this equipment along Highway 12 at night will be some kind of boom for business, although no explanation how that will happen.
There will be a big difference between the transport of 4 megaloads versus the next 200 (which are not included in this hearing officer’s decision).
Idaho agency advised to issue megaload permits. By John Miller. The Associated Press (in Bloomberg).
Greater Yellowstone Coalition proposes protections for Absaroka-Beartooth Front
December 28, 2010 — Ralph MaughanPlan might copy relatively successful effort to conserve Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front-
Given the very scenic nature of much of the A-B Front, in a way it is surprising this proposal didn’t emerge earlier. Personally, I think it is a great idea.
Story in the Billings Gazette on plans to conserve the Absaroka/Beartooth Front.
Beartooth Front. Toward the two forks of the Rosebud River. copyright Ralph Maughan
What does a blizzard on the U.S. East Coast mean for global warming?
December 27, 2010 — Ralph MaughanStronger winter storms are the indirect result of global warming-
There are a lot of people who tend to think snowy weather means there is no global warming (they tend to watch Fox News). Actually, the opposite is true, at least under the current level of warming.
What does a blizzard on the U.S. East Coast mean for global warming? By David Biello. Scientific American.
Elk herd prospers on Hanford, WA nuclear reservation
December 26, 2010 — Ralph MaughanDry country elk herd’s major difficulty said to be agricultural damage-
I didn’t know anything about the elk in this part of Washington state. I’m glad learn that a herd of 600-700 was established 30 years ago and does well.
Elk continue to thrive in Mid-Columbia desert. By Annette Cary, Herald staff writer
Anatomy of a medusahead invasion
December 25, 2010 — Ken ColeAn annual grass worse than cheatgrass
Medusahead grass has the ability to take over a landscape like cheatgrass but nothing will eat it after it dies and dries out in the early summer months. It is becoming a huge problem in some areas and I’ve seen allotments with vast expanses where it is about the only thing that grows. Of course, if you’re the BLM, what else is there to do but renew the grazing permit and continue the degradation?
Anatomy of a medusahead invasion.
High Country News
Oil company megaloads to stay at port in Lewiston for Christmas
December 24, 2010 — Ralph MaughanIdaho activists successfully delay megaloads into 2011-
Hearing officer does not issue a decision on the international oil company megaloads sitting at the Port of Lewiston, Idaho. Decision will be coming out at an undefined future date.
No ruling before Christmas on megaloads. Lewiston (ID) Tribune on-line
Carter Niemeyer strongly questions Wildlife Services report.
December 23, 2010 — Ken ColeCalls recent Montana report “misleading”.
Carter Niemeyer’s recent book “Wolfer” described, in great detail, the inner workings of Wildlife Services for whom he worked as their Montana western supervisor from 1975-1990 and as their Montana wolf specialist for the following 10 years until he took a post in Idaho as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s wolf recovery coordinator. In the book he describes how the incestuous relationship between the livestock industry and Wildlife Services works to maintain hegemony over how predators are blamed for livestock deaths so that they can be managed and killed and so that the taxpayer funds flow freely. He goes on to describe how the reporting of livestock depredations is routinely influenced by the higher ups in the department so that blame could be squarely placed on any number of predators instead of what usually boils down to poor animal husbandry practices.
Often times he was called to the scene of a “wolf depredation” only to find out, upon investigation, that the animal had died from other causes or that dogs had been behind the incident. When he would write up his report he would skin the animal out to look for hemorrhaging caused by the bites of a wolf or other predator, he would take pictures, he would look for tracks. This was frowned upon by his superiors and he was told to use only the small space on the investigation report form to describe whether the livestock had been killed by predators or not. Read the rest of this entry »
U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy to take “Senior status”
December 23, 2010 — Brian ErtzSenior status Reduces Judge Molloy’s caseload
U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy of Montana has announced that he will take “Senior status”.
District Judge Molloy to step aside – Wyoming Tribune
“Senior status” means retirement from active service. Senior judges continue to hear cases, usually with a reduced case load. The announcement, however, said Molloy intends to maintain a “substantial” case load.
It also frees him to sit, by invitation, on the circuit court.
Judge Molloy’s stepping down from his seat will open a vacancy in the Montana federal district court. Vacancies are filled by appointment from the president, almost always selected by the highest politically ranked congressperson of the president’s party from the state in which the vacancy occurs.
Conservationists seek to expand wolf range across U.S.
December 21, 2010 — Ken ColeCenter for Biological Diversity seeks to return wolves to West Coast, New England, Southern Rockies and Great Plains
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed litigation in response to the lack of response to their petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand protections for wolves across a significant portion of their historical range.
Conservationists seek to expand wolf range across U.S..
Laura Zuckerman – Reuters
Lawsuit Launched to Recover Wolves Across Country
Center for Biological Diversity Press Release.
Idaho senators fail in bid to remove federal protection for wolves.
December 21, 2010 — Ken ColeThe wolf bills are probably dead
I’ve rewritten this post as it appears that there is still a chance for a bill to move in the Senate.
The bill that would have removed wolves from the Endangered Species Act has failed and the bill which would have removed protections for wolves in Idaho and Montana introduced by Max Baucus of Montana was not successfully attached to the appropriations bill.
With so much else going on in Washington DC it appears that none of the bills to remove protections from wolves will be successful this congress but there is still a slight chance that the Baucus/Tester bill could move during the lame duck session of congress.
There is another dynamic here to take into consideration, the Baucus/Tester bill, which would require that Idaho and Montana maintain a number of wolves higher than the minimum of 10-15 packs, is opposed by many sportsman’s groups including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation because it gives wolves even some protection. If this bill is passed it would be considered by some as a win for Tester who is likely to face a very tough reelection battle in 2012. With that, it seems likely that Republicans will try to block it since their whole strategy of late has been to block anything that might benefit Democrats.
That being said, the Baucus/Tester Bill would still set a very bad precedent for the Endangered Species Act. It would set a precedent that would allow delisting of any species if it somehow becomes inconvenient for the powers that be or those who kick and scream the most.
Idaho senators fail in bid to remove federal protection for wolves.
Dan Popkey – Idaho Statesman
State of the species
Anti-wolf bills unlikely to pass before year’s end
By KATHERINE WUTZ – Idaho Mountain Express
Utah bill to delist wolves fails in Senate.
By Laura Lundquist – Magic Valley Times-News
Elk Baiting Poachers Fined, Lose Hunting Privileges.
December 21, 2010 — Ken ColeCumulatively they lost $9600 and 12 years of hunting privileges.
Another form of poaching that is probably more common than this one incident might indicate. This case shows how difficult it is to convict many poachers. It took two years to catch someone using the bait station after it was first discovered.
Is poaching becoming more commonplace because of the recession and could it be the reason for declines in elk? The recent study in Oregon indicates that the level of poaching is very high there. Could it be just as much of a problem in the neighboring states like Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming? What is going on here?
Elk Baiting Poachers Fined, Lose Hunting Privileges.
Idaho Fish and Game News Release
Conservation groups want Forest Service land near Pocatello closed to livestock grazing
December 21, 2010 — Ralph MaughanNow, your opportunity to comment on the Pocatello, Midnight, and Michaud grazing allotments-
Comments are due Jan. 4, 2011-
An opportunity like this only comes along every ten years or so. I know a lot of people have been furious for years about the cattle grazing in the Bannock Range immediately west and south of Pocatello, Idaho.
Western Watersheds/Portneuf Valley Audubon Society new release on the grazing comment opportunity. Conservation groups want Mink Creek closed to cows.
Every ten years or so the Forest Service is supposed to revise its grazing allotment plans. One alternative they have to consider is no grazing. I know a lot of the folks I know here in Pocatello would say, “yes, yes” to reduced or elimination of grazing. There are a few beauty area closed, but about 1200 AUMs graze most of the area from June 1 until Oct. 10 each year (actually until the owners of the cattle bother to pick them up). That only leaves the month of May for an ungrazed experience in this key recreation area on Pocatello’s doorstep.
Here is the scoping document from the Forest Service showing the location of the allotments. PortneufAllotScoping11-22-2010
Send to your comments to Ranger Jeff Hammes, Westside Ranger District at this email address: comments-intermtn-caribou-targhee-westside@fs.fed.us. Tell why you are interested, give the information you have about the cows and what you think should be done. The formal name of document being prepared is the Lower Portneuf Grazing EA.
I took the photo below of a cow covered with houndstongue stickers on the Pocatello Grazing Allotment in the summer of 2009. The poor cow’s condition is not unusual, and of course their omnipresence keep the obnoxious weed spreading and spreading.
Houndstongue infested cow. Pocatello Grazing Allotment. Photo by Ralph Maughan. Public domain
104 pound coyote shot in Missouri !!
December 20, 2010 — Ralph MaughanDNA tests show it was not a wolf, nor a hybrid — not a coywolf-
Incredible. It’s hard to believe a coyote this size.
Hunter Shoots Unusually Large Coyote in Northwest Missouri. Kansas City InfoZine. By James Low.
Update 12/20/10 Here are the high resolution photos from the Missouri Department of Conservation Press Release:
Big Missouri "coyote" courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation (click for larger view)
Big Missouri "coyote" courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation (click for larger view)
Elk numbers said to be down . . . is it really wolves?
December 19, 2010 — Ralph MaughanHow about slob hunters?
The story below has been getting a lot of attention.
Wolves, Elk, and Slob-Hunting. What’s a bigger threat to elk: wolves or slob-hunters? By Matt Skoglund, Guest Writer in New West. 12-17-10
With in the condition of the economy and the traditional lack of wildlife ethics in some areas, I think we have to also add flat-out poaching. For example, when they say “elk numbers have plunged in the West Fork of the Bitteroot, it must wolves,” how about an investigation of the number of convicted poachers in the Bitterroot Valley too. Before you settle on an answer, a smart person considers all the possible reasonable answers.
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And here is a related story from Montana’s Madison Valley. In the Hunt: (Slob) Hunters play wolf blame game. by Nick Gevock. mtstandard.com |
Plan to protect Yellowstone Park’s fish is being developed
December 18, 2010 — Ralph MaughanComments wanted on the Park’s Native Fish Conservation Plan Environmental Assessment-
The Park’s fish have taken a real beating the last 20 years from disease and the introduction of lake trout into Yellowstone Lake. Your comments are due Jan. 31, 2011.
“The preferred alternative would conserve the Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake by increased netting of non-native lake trout. It also calls for removal of non-native fish from some streams and lakes in the park, and introduction of native fish into restored habitats. It would allow managers to take an adaptive management approach to native fish conservation, incorporating new information and lessons gained from experience in annual work and treatment plans. This plan does not propose any changes in the Madison or Firehole rivers.
The Environmental Assessment (EA) and an electronic form to submit comments on the internet can be found on the web at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/yell. A hard copy or CD of the EA is available by calling (307) 344-2874, or by writing to the Native Fish Conservation Plan EA, National Park Service, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.”
News release. Plan To Protect Yellowstone’s Native Fish Open For Public Review
Northern coast of Greenland, some far north islands in Canada to be only home for polar bears
December 18, 2010 — Ralph MaughanLast ditch location of polar bears is predicted-
As arctic ice continues to melt, scientists have predicted where last few polar bears will make their last stand.
Where Polar Bears Might Go If Climate Change Doesn’t Slow. By Pete Spotts. Christian Science Monitor/ABC News
LA Times OpEd: Rocky Mountain low
December 17, 2010 — Brian ErtzThe LA Times weighs in on western politicians’ effort to deslist Northern Rocky Mountain Wolves by way of legislation:
Rocky Mountain Low – LA Times Opinion Editorial
The actions of three states and a handful of congressmen seem likely to undermine the return of the gray wolves of the northern Rockies. Even worse, they would set an appalling precedent for undermining the species act.
Swiss philanthropist buys $35M in Plum Creek Timber land in western Montana
December 17, 2010 — Ralph MaughanThis is not the first land protection buy-up in the Rockies by the Swiss billionaire-
This purchase seems to be a very good thing for conservation of the Montana landscape, but I’d bet this post will stir up a lot of debate about billionaires buying land (or maybe just about billionaires and why there are so many of them all of a sudden).
Swiss philanthropist buys $35M in Plum Creek Timber land in western Montana. By Matthew Brown. Associated Press
Rex Rammell encourages Idaho residents to poach wolves
December 17, 2010 — Brian ErtzFormer gubernatorial candidate Rex Rammel, currently under investigation for poaching elk, told a group of Idaho residents that citizens should organize wolf killing parties and that he didn’t think the authorities would intervene.
Not so says the feds:
More felony elk poaching in Idaho
December 15, 2010 — Ralph MaughanFather and son arrested for poaching two large 6-point elk-
Almost twice a week there is a story about major elk poaching in Idaho, often involving important people. There is so much of this we have to question the real reason why elk numbers are below objective in a half dozen Idaho hunting areas.
Caldwell father, son arrested on felony charges in Owyhee poaching incident. Idaho Statesman.
Fox news boss orders reporters to always question climate change
December 15, 2010 — Ralph MaughanFair and balanced!
Their Washington Bureau news chief emailed them saying, “refrain from asserting that the planet has warmed (or cooled) in any given period without IMMEDIATELY pointing out that such theories are based upon data that critics have called into question.” Apparently they would be expected to say “some scientists say there was an ice age 450,000 years ago, but that is based on a theory whose data has been called into question.”
Whether the average temperature has changed worldwide is a matter of fact, not of theory. Theories are designed to explain facts and predict new facts (to test a theory and to expand a theory). One can question the process of measurement — say it is wrong — but that has nothing to do with theory. I doubt that few news stories would have time to discuss how average temperatures are calculated and where measurement error might creep in.
Fox News e-mail shows network’s slant on climate change. By Paul Farhi. Washington Post Staff Writer
“Extinct” Japanese salmonid found unextinguished after 70 years
December 15, 2010 — Ralph MaughanLiving black kokanee found . . . enough for a recovery-
Scientist says he found Japanese fish thought extinct. Associated Press.
The fish were found in Lake Saiko, about 500 kilometers south of their native lake where they were killed off in the 1940s.
A different kind of wolf book: Niemeyer’s “Wolfer” has been published
December 15, 2010 — Ralph MaughanA real page-turner is available now just before the holidays-
A lot of folks have waited for the publication of Carter Niemeyer’s autobiograpy, Wolfer. It is now available from a couple sources, but Amazon.com will get it to you before Christmas. I’ve checked that out. It is also available at Amazon as a download for your Kindle.
I understand autographed copies are available at www.carterniemeyer.com/ I’m not sure they will be ready for Dec. 25, however. The book also has a Facebook site — http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wolfer/103634586341350
I read the draft and the book grabs you from the first page. It seems like Niemeyer is good at just about everything, and that includes writing his story. It certainly needs to be told because people just don’t know what being a “government trapper” is like. They also don’t know what it takes to change your mind about the direction of your career.
I will post a full review after the holidays when I get my final copy.
Montana wilderness, jobs bill added to Senate appropriations bill
December 14, 2010 — Ralph MaughanSenator Tester’s massive forest bill has been added to Senate omnibus appropriations bill-
Every year the U.S. Congress’ procedure becomes more and more unglued. The reason for this is mostly partisan gridlock. So few freestanding bills (called regular order) are allowed by the opposition to pass or fail on a straight vote that extraordinary measures are now being taken if there is to be any action at all, even on necessary bills.
This year is ending up worse than ever. This is no comment on the merits of Senators Tester’s wilderness/jobs bill. We have discussed that earlier. That bill, however, largely thought to be dead, has been added to the Senate’s omnibus appropriations bill, and could become law with no direct vote ever having been taken on it.
The way the process is emerging is that almost all legislation for a year will come up in one giant bill that contains every other bill that has somehow found its way through the new, arcane process. The only votes that can be said to count will mostly be those on the giant measure. What is in the giant bill will be for everyone to discover after the Congress is over, not before the legislation is passed!
Montana wilderness, jobs bill added to Senate appropriations bill. By Rob Chaney Missoulian.
Oceans: Jellyfish replace fish in overfished waters
December 14, 2010 — Ralph MaughanBooming Jellyfish in Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean-
Overfishing does not create waters with no fish. The vaccum is replaced by billions of jellyfish.
Jellyfish story in Science Daily
Idaho governor says wolf delisting push stalled last Monday on population goal, other details
December 14, 2010 — Ken ColeIt shows that Otter never intended to follow IDFG’s management plan.
Otter once again shows us that the state never intended to manage wolves with an eye toward science. He always intended to manage for the minimum number identified in the legislative plan and that the IDFG plan was meaningless just as we have always maintained.
I haven’t seen the proposed legislation anywhere else except here. It was being passed around via email by those who opposed having any protections for wolves and supported bills like the one introduced by Orin Hatch of Utah which removes all wolves, even Mexican wolves, from the ESA. Groups such as the once moderate Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation were opposed to the Baucus/Tester bill because it provided even a modicum of protection.
As Brian Ertz has pointed out on another thread, it’s not that the Endangered Species Act doesn’t provide for a clear path to delist wolves, it is that the states don’t want to provide that regulatory framework to ensure that wolves won’t become endangered again once delisting occurs.
I really can’t imagine that this behavior will help them to resolve this issue if attempts to change the ESA or delist wolves through legislation are unsuccessful. They have certainly lifted the veil. This will all be seen by the judges during the appeal process and it surely demonstrates that they are unwilling to provide any level of protection to wolves once they become delisted. They seem to be playing a high stakes game of chicken and I don’t expect that wolf advocates are going to blink here.
Again though, wolf advocates are being blamed for this impasse and called extremists for insisting that wolves be managed using careful science rather than politics. It seems to me that those who want to bypass science and use only politics are the extremists.
Who is moving the goal posts now?
Idaho governor says wolf delisting push stalled last Monday on population goal, other details
Associated Press. Read the rest of this entry »
Salazar: Sonoran desert tortoise is “Warranted, but precluded” from federal protection
December 14, 2010 — Brian ErtzTortoise Takes Place in Line For Federal Listing
Sonoran Desert Tortoise
The Sonoran desert tortoise is the next in a long line of imperiled species that the Obama administration’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has determined is “Warranted, but precluded” from the comprehensive federal protections of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Sonoran desert tortoise now an endangered species candidate – KVOA.com
“Much like the Saguaro cactus, the Sonoran desert tortoise is symbolic of the rich Southwestern desert,” said Steve Spangle, the Service’s Arizona field supervisor. “A collection of various conservation partners have made great strides to better understand and protect the Sonoran desert tortoise, but our comprehensive analysis shows an increasing magnitude of threats is offsetting some conservation efforts. This candidate conservation status should increase opportunities for reversing this trend.”
It will be interesting to see how the alternative “candidate conservation status” measures will bring much needed protections to the tortoise, particularly given the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s acknowledgement that those conservation measures deployed have already fallen short.
Tortoise Takes Place in Line For Federal Listing – News Release 12/13/10
In his finding, Secretary Salazar determined that the Sonoran desert tortoises may be threatened by all five factors the agency uses in deciding whether a species qualifies for Endangered Species Act protection: 1) habitat loss and destruction; 2) overutilization; 3) disease or predation; 4) inadequate legal protections; and 5) other factors. Under the Act, the tortoise needs only to qualify under one of these factors to warrant listing.
Toby Bridges again busy talking about wolf poisoning, lord knows what other animals
December 14, 2010 — Ralph MaughanBridges tells us artificial sweetener will kill all canines, including dogs–
Toby Bridges’ name has been out of the news a while after his ISP apparently revoked his old web site. He has a new ISP now and web site, but he is also sending out his opinion to local newspapers. Read this in the Clark Fork Chronicle (Montana).
Artificial sweetener kills all canines, not just wolves
Sunday, December 12 2010 @ 01:14 PM MST
Contributed by: Admin
Opinion by Toby Bridges
He writes the “opinion” in the third person, thus probably avoiding prosecution, as he can claim he is only providing information about what is going on.
What shocks me is the lack of concern about poisoning dogs, and if Xylitol, the artificial sweetener, kills all canids, it is reasonable to expect that it probably kills a number of non-canids too, both wild and domestic.
My opinion is that you write to your elected officials, even the wolf-hating ones, to express your outrage that they seem to listen to people like Bridges. This is getting close to terrorism.
Eagle Concerns Stymie Wind Farms
December 13, 2010 — Brian ErtzWind Farms On Public Land Stymied By Eagle Concerns, Radar Interference
Spring Valley, NV ~ Katie Fite, WWP
The article notes a growing recognition of conflicts wind development on public lands are running into, slowing wind development on public lands across the West.
Eagle Concerns Stymie Wind Farms – AP
The only project approved is the Spring Valley wind farm in Nevada where the nearest eagle nest was over four miles away. Gina Jones, BLM’s project leader, said the company agreed to extensive mitigation, such as putting “anti-perch” devices on transmission poles within two miles of the wind farm.
You may remember that we’ve considered Spring Valley, Nevada on this site. Having worked a little bit on the project, and considering the experts regard for the “extensive mitigation” measures that agency is accepting for these giant projects, it seems a bit disingenuous to suggest that BLM is doing a thorough job of genuinely considering the impacts. Here you have big Wind putting in a farm at the mouth of the largest bat roost in the Great Basin Ecosystem and smack-dab in a sub-basin between two ranges that serve as parallel corridors for eagles. Read the rest of this entry »
Mexican wolf recovery: a classic hegemonic struggle?
December 13, 2010 — Ralph MaughanGreat article in Demarcated Landscapes rejects the dominion of ranchers over the rest of us-
“. . . along comes this opinion piece from the Salt Lake City Tribune suggesting that if ranchers can’t make peace with the lobo, then the lobo cannot be recovered.
…in the battle between our deep-seated fears and our hopes, the wolves bear the greatest burden. There is no new narrative of coexistence, of respect for all creatures on the land. We seem stuck in the stories of the old days, when wolves were the enemy that must be eliminated.
Until we change that perception, wolves in the Southwest won’t have a prayer
Yeah, well, you know what? Fuck that. Let’s change the perception that ranchers have any say in the matter instead. Let’s let the new power- the power of the majority of voters who want wolves back on the landscape (democracy) and the power of ecological common sense (that predators are important- duh!) be the new hegemonic force. People can’t make a living with their cows wandering around in wolf country? Then take a buy-out.
Read the rest . . . . Mexican wolf recovery: a classic hegemonic struggle? Demarcated Landscapes.
Sadly, Arizona Game and Fish just voted to support delisting the Mexican wolf, of which only 40 are left. Game and Fish abandoning gray wolves. By Steve Robinson Editorial Sounding Board. Arizona Daily Sun.
The fact that they would support delisting when there are only 40 animals shows the number of wolves is an irrelevant issue. This is a cultural battle between us and those who just assume they have some right to push us around — those who hold the hegemony.
Downed power lines electrocute 2 bears in NY
December 13, 2010 — Ralph MaughanSow and cubs get zapped. One cub might survive-
Downed power lines electrocute 2 bears in NY. AP in the Wall Street Journal
3 -4 years ago a downed powerline in northwest Montana electrocuted several deer. The power remained on afterwards too and a wolf came to investigate the deer and was electrocuted as well.
From New West: Megaloads Court Battle Looks Like A Close Call
December 12, 2010 — Ralph MaughanReport on last week’s hearing predicts the decision on the megaloads will be close-
Having won a hard fought battle to intervene on the decision whether to allow the first megaloads of oil equipment up Highway 12 and over Lolo Pass, the full hearing last week pitted local residents and the Boise based law firm, Advocates for the West against ConocoPhillips oil.
Steve Bunk has a lengthy article about the hearing in New West. Dec. 10
Here’s an interesting tidbit from the hearing: “It . . . was confirmed during questioning that the Conoco employees at the hearing were being paid by the company to attend in lieu of going to work. Moreover, Conoco had hired lobbyists in Washington, D.C., and for Idaho and Montana, and was placing newspaper advertisements about the loads to counteract the public outcry and interviews [intervenor’s attorney Laird] Lucas had given.”
Supporters of new dam on upper Green River don’t give up
December 11, 2010 — Ralph MaughanDespite public outcry and negative vote by WY Water Development Commission, cattle assn, county commissions continue to push dam-
Few people seem to like the proposal to build a dam on the upper Green River above Warren Bridge. The state Water Development Commission voted 7-1 against it, but powerful interest groups are trying sidestep public opinion and push the unpopular prop0sal in the Wyoming state legislature.
Legislators to have next say on Green River dam. So far, project is not in bill to be considered by committee Dec. 15. By Cory Hatch. Jackson Hole News and Guide.
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Here is our earlier story on this proposed dam. Wyoming Water Development Commission against proposed Green River dam. November 11, 2010. Commission calls it “too expensive, unnecessary and bad for recreation and the environment”-
Western Fly Fishing Journal doesn’t like this dam. A Dam On The Green River?
The Tester/Baucus wolf bill is revealed.
December 9, 2010 — Ken ColeCould be introduced and voted on tonight
Northern Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf Recovery and Sustainability Act of 2010
Title: To remove the Northern Rocky Mountain distinct population segment of the gray wolf from the list of threatened species or the list of endangered species published under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “Northern Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf Recovery and Sustainability Act of 2010”.
Wolf Politics and the Endangered Species ‘End Run’
December 9, 2010 — Ralph MaughanThis article is highly significant now, although it appears an end run might pass the Senate tonight-
Wolf Politics and the Endangered Species ‘End Run’. by Virginia Morell on 9 December 2010, 5:16 PM. ScienceInsider.
Pair of Idaho elk ranchers plead guilty to poaching a wild elk
December 9, 2010 — Ralph MaughanLocal residents act quickly to inform Idaho Fish and Game-
This is a very strange story, but glad for the alert citizens. Why would elk ranchers poach an elk? But they did. They plead “guilty.”
Residents help Fish and Game nab poachers near Albion. By Andrew Weeks – Times-News writer Magicvalley.com
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Just noticed, but it seems like there is an outrageous poaching story almost every day lately.
Western governors focus on endangered species
December 9, 2010 — Ken ColeThe governors meeting in Las Vegas this week.
Okay, so now governors are arguing that the Endangered Species Act should be gutted because swarms of prairie dogs are digging into golf courses. Need I say more?
“The frustration level is reaching the breaking point in many levels because of this act,” said Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert. “It’s nonsensical.”
The Republican governor griped about swarms of endangered prairie dogs digging into golf courses. “They have become so domesticated, they are just a pain,” he said.
The slippery slope argument does apply in this case and changing the ESA would set an extremely bad precedent. It should be stopped. Call your congress people and senators, especially those who have a strong record on environmental issues, and tell them to shut this down.
Take Action for Wolves & the ESA Now:
Contact Your Congressional Representative
Tell them to protect the Endangered Species Act
Tell President Obama to protect the Endangered Species Act
Idaho Fish and Game Commission suspends 2008-2012 Wolf Management Plan
December 8, 2010 — Ken ColeDirects Department to prepare a new plan consistent with 2002 Legislative Plan.
The IDFG Commission voted unanimously to suspend the 2008-2012 wolf management plan, which maintains a wolf population of 518 wolves in the state of Idaho, and directed the Department to prepare “an appropriate wolf species management plan, consistent with the 2002 Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan approved by the Idaho Legislature and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.”
In other words, this means that the IDFG has abandoned all pretense of biological or scientific management of wolves in favor of a politically driven plan which only commits to maintain 10 packs minimum but would institute remedial management measures if the population falls below 15 packs.
IDFG Wolf Motion to suspend 2008 plan
Here is the language of the motion which was unanimously passed:
(1) Continue the pursuit of control actions under 10j for the protection of ungulate herds while wolves remain listed under the Endangered Species Act;
(2) Suspend immediately the 2008-2012 Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan; and
(3) Postpone consideration, until delisting resumes, as to the specifics of day-to-day state wolf management and upon delisting of gray wolves in Idaho; the Commission will direct the Department to prepare an appropriate wolf species management plan, consistent with the 2002 Idaho Wolf Conservation and Management Plan approved by the Idaho Legislature and the u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Youtube video of the meeting and more comment to come. Watch this space. Read the rest of this entry »
Judge: Anti-wolf activist Tony Mayer will face felony for poaching elk
December 8, 2010 — Brian ErtzSave Elk, Prosecute Anti-wolf Activists
You may recall that Blaine County Judge Ted Israel recently dismissed a felony elk poaching charge against anti-wolf activist Tony Mayer, the founder of SaveElk.com.
Idaho Department of Fish & Game officers carry away the trophy rack Tony Mayer is alleged to have illegally taken
At that time, the court held that there was probable cause to pursue misdemeanor charges for the offense. However, Mr. Mayer’s felony charge was dismissed without prejudice because to charge on a felony prosecutors needed to establish that he had poached an animal worth more than $1000 (“trophy” bull elk are valued at $5000). At that time, the measurements prosecutors used to determine the “trophy” status of the animal were taken before it had dried at room temperature for 60 days, a Boone and Crockett protocol allowing for “shrinkage” (the antlers had been admittedly stored in a freezer for a period of time).
After the initial measurement of the elk Mayer killed, but by the time pre-trial rolled around and the court issued its dismissal on the felony charge, the antlers had been stored at room temperature for 60 days allowing prosecutors to immediately have the rack re-measured and determine that even with shrinkage it was still a trophy animal pursuant to statute. The prosecutor re-filed the felony against Mayer.
Defendants have a right to a “pre-trial hearing” to demand demonstration of probable cause and contest the prosecution’s evidentiary basis for pursuing its charge. In order to move a felony charge to trial, the prosecutor needed to establish that there is probable cause to believe that several essential elements of an infraction of law took place.
Today, Mayer stood pre-trial on the re-filed felony for “flagrant unlawful killing and/or possession of a trophy bull elk,” again arguing for a dismissal of the charge .
Probable Cause That Mayer Poached the Elk Read the rest of this entry »
Palin’s Hunting Trip To Feed Her Family Cost $42,400 for the caribou meat!
December 7, 2010 — Ralph MaughanArticle says it was not hunt to fill family freezer . . . a hunt for personal publicity-
There has been some discussion in our forum about Palin’s TV, caribou hunt. . . . questions about the rifle she used, her shooting ability, and so forth. Here’s one that goes to the heart of the thing — it wasn’t really a hunt to fill the Palin family freezer to get them through the winter.
Sarah Palin’s Hunting Trip To Feed Her Family Cost — $42,400 or $141.33 per lb. of Caribou Meat! By Bonnie Fuller in Hollywood Life
Bruskotter sets up Wildlife Conservation Policy blog
December 7, 2010 — Ralph MaughanIt is an academic blog dedicated to the social and political aspects–the so-called “human dimensions”–of wildlife management-
Wildlife Conservation Policy. Jeremy Bruskotter is an assistant professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at the Ohio State University. He regularly discusses wildlife conservation policy here on The Wildlife News.
Media stories about wolves have become more negative
December 7, 2010 — Ralph MaughanJB’s research shows wolf stories are most negative in places where they are just beginning to colonize-
Our own JB (Jeremy T. Bruskotter) and colleagues have just had their article “Attitudes Toward Wolves in the United States and Canada: A Content Analysis of the Print News Media, 1999-2008” published in the refereed Journal, Human Dimensions of Wildlife.
Here is a n news story about it stressing the Montana angle, although the data was gathered from all over. Wolf Story Time: Researchers Measure Views in MT News. Public News Service.
“Bruskotter notes there are some who argue that the views contained in news stories mirror public opinion, but he points out that separate public opinion research doesn’t support that claim. He believes no matter what the views portrayed in the news coverage, they affect public opinion.”
Here is a brief summary of the study’s findings (beyond those reported in the article above). The summary is written by JB.
Montana says wolf deal is dead
December 7, 2010 — Ralph MaughanSchweitzer says talks have broken down, probably for good!
According to the story, Idaho and Wyoming would not go along with a deal for a wolf hunt and delisting in Idaho and Montana because they wanted a legislative fix in addition.
Montana governor says wolf deal dead. AP in the Bozeman Chronicle.
Idaho state trooper to be charged with moose poaching
December 6, 2010 — Ralph MaughanCpl. Jeff Jayne, accused, is reported to be another anti-wolf worrier about declining elk, etc-
This is from back in late November, but it is incredible. There hasn’t been any recent news on this, but here is the article in the Bonner County newspaper. Bonner County, Idaho abuts Canada. I thought the story should get wider distribution.
Trooper to face criminal charge. November 23, 2010 10:00 am | Updated. Bonner County Bee
According to information I’ve received, Jayne was invited to be on a panel after the North Idaho Wolf Alliance showed the Lords of Nature at the Little Panida Theater in Sandpoint. In the subsequent discussion, he was very anti-wolf, repeating all the rhetoric of the far out folks who hate wolves. Well he has a right to his opinion, of course, but then he shows up with a moose out of season. What is it about these people who say wolves are killing all the game and then they end up getting caught poaching.
Rammell says he was confused by Sportmans Warehouse
December 6, 2010 — Ralph MaughanWants fish and game managment returned to “the people” at the county level-
Accused elk poacher Rex Rammell has his say in a guest editorial today in Pocatello’s Idaho State Journal.
Guilty until proven innocent. By Rex Rammell. Op ed in the Idaho State Journal
Plan to ban trapping near residential areas in Washoe is rejected
December 5, 2010 — Ken ColeUnbelievably the plan was opposed by Wildlife Services.
Plan to ban trapping near residential areas in Washoe is rejected
The Reno Gazette-Journal.
Resurgent Northwest salmon show dam ‘spill’ is better than barging
December 5, 2010 — Ken ColeThe fish do better in the river than they do in a barge.
I’m not really a fan of Rocky Barker because I think he is biased towards the collaborative process because it has worked within the framework of the Snake River salmon and steelhead issue. When contrasted with other collaborative processes this issue has a fundamental difference, Judge Redden and the force of federal law. Because of this there is accountability to the “best available science” mandated by the Endangered Species Act not just the whims of people who want to go along to get along as happens with other collaborative groups.
What biologists have known for a long time about salmon is that they do much better when they migrate to the ocean in the river over the dams and not through them, they also know that when they are captured and carried down river in a barge they are exposed to all kinds of disease and are less fit to deal with the transition from fresh to salt water once they are released downstream of Bonneville Dam. More of the barged fish suffered “delayed mortality” than those that migrated downriver on their own.
As an activist, I feel that recovery of salmon and steelhead calls for more than just a minimum population of fish returning to their spawning grounds but rather flourishing population that contributes to the whole ecosystem of the rivers which were once blessed with millions of fish each year. The historic runs of salmon and steelhead had immense influence on the productivity of the ecosystem and provided crucial nutrients to the central Idaho streams they still sparsely inhabit. True recovery should require the removal of the 4 Lower Snake River dams.
Resurgent Northwest salmon show dam ‘spill’ is better than barging
Rocky Barker – The Idaho Statesman.
FWP warns MSU over scientist’s wolf study
December 5, 2010 — Ralph MaughanCome to the same conclusions as we do with the data, or else says Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks!
Despite what FWP says, this is a flat out attempt to suppress the scientific method.
FWP warns MSU over scientist’s wolf study. By Gail Schontzler. Bozeman Chronicle Staff Writer
It is good to see MSU stand up to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in this matter. In the growing climate of fear and intimidation of science in the United States, you can bet the Montana state legislature will get involved in this.
Dr. Creel’s research conclusions have, in fact, not been as positive for the wolf as wolf conservationists had hoped. Nevertheless, the state’s anti-wolf wildlife politicians are not happy.
A dozen Democrats want positive changes in Mexican wolf program
December 5, 2010 — Ralph MaughanFighting back for once!
Democrats seek changes to wolf program. Albuquerque Journal
Feds Can Withhold GPS Data on Wolf Attacks
December 4, 2010 — Ken ColeFeds Can Withhold GPS Data on Wolf Attacks.
Courthouse News Service
Have you come across any interesting Wildlife News? December 4, 2010
December 4, 2010 — Ken ColeNote that this replaces the 18th edition. That edition will now move slowly into the depths of the blog.
Western Rattlesnake © Ken Cole
Please don’t post entire articles here, just the link, title and your comments about the article. Most of these violate copyright law. They also take up too much space.
Heavy snowfall sends elk onto the National Elk Refuge
December 4, 2010 — Ralph MaughanHeavy snowfall sends elk to refuge. By Cory Hatch. Jackson Hole Daily.
It is shaping up to be a snowy winter in southern Idaho and Western Wyoming.
Nevada wildlife commissioners might make it legal to shoot a ‘lone wolf’ though federal fines would remain
December 4, 2010 — Ken ColeNorthern Arapaho seek to restore historic link to buffalo
December 4, 2010 — Ken ColeNorthern Arapaho seek to restore historic link to buffalo.
By TOM MAST Casper Star-Tribune
More Lolo Pass Megaloads Opponents Emerge
December 4, 2010 — Ralph MaughanImpacts of giant oil machinery on roadside business and emergency medical care on Highway 12 questioned-
Imagine you live on Highway12 and have a medical emergency. It’s night. If you can get to Lewiston or Orofino for care, you will live. Your spouse gets you into the pickup and pulls out onto Highway12, but a giant oil rig from Korea or China blocks the entire highway including the borrow pit.
An American family, now reduced to the status of peasants, has their father or mother die as international oil plows its way to Albertan tar sand pits.
More Lolo Pass Megaloads Opponents Emerge. By Steve Bunk. New West
Groups consider drilling lease buyouts in Wyoming Range
December 3, 2010 — Ralph MaughanWyoming Range Legacy Act didn’t protect 77,000 acres of the Wyoming Range. New approach to be tried?
A lot of folks thought the tremendous victory of The Wyoming Range Legacy Act signed by President Obama last year stopping new oil or gas leasing on 1.2 million acres in the Wyoming Range and Salt River Ranges put the drilling to rest, but no. 77,000 acres in the wildlife rich NW corner of the Wyoming Range had already been leased.
Because the government creates private property rights (out of public land) when it leases, to stop drilling an oil company has to give up or sell the leases. As a result a number of conservation interests are seeking to try a buy out.
Saving these mountain ranges from drilling has been an issue that generally unites conservationists of all types, including hunting groups. May this rare success continue!
Story: Groups consider drilling lease buyouts in Wyoming Range. By Mead Gruver. Associated Press.
Wolf management hot topic in D.C.
December 3, 2010 — Ralph MaughanControversy sparks various efforts to suppress wildlife management to favor extremists-
In addition to the effort by Montana Senators Jon Tester and Max Bacus to legalize Montana and Idaho’s wolf management plans by changing the law, a group of 8 far right Republicans has introduced legislation to give wolf management to the states.
Ersatz rancher U.S. Representative of Montana Rep. Denny Rehberg seems to be leader of this group of 8 Republicans. The report is in the Helena Independent Record by Eve Byron. The Republicans are Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming; Dean Heller of Nevada; Rob Bishop of Utah; Mike Simpson of Idaho;* Trent Franks of Arizona; Wally Herger of California and Jason Chaffetz of Utah.
According to the I.R.,
Rehberg said. “After holding hearings in Montana and reading thousands of comments, it’s clear that folks in Western states like Montana are sick and tired of powerful environmental interest groups funded out of places like San Francisco and New York telling us how to manage our lands, resources and wildlife.”
These people love to say anything they disagree with comes from New York or San Francisco. That’s pretty irritating coming from a rich phony blowhard like Rehberg. How come the 3 webmasters of this blog all hail from Idaho or Montana? And why does it turn out that a lot of extreme anti-wolfers come from places like Chicago?
Hopefully this legislation will fail in the gridlock-as-usual in Washington.
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*Mike Simpson is my congressman here in Eastern Idaho. He hasn’t been an extremist, but he got a scare in the primary when 3 teabaggers challenged him. He was renominated by more than 50% of the vote, however.
New Idaho wolf update
December 2, 2010 — Ralph MaughanAfter a very long time with no Idaho wolf updates, so leaving folks to speculate, Idaho Fish and Game issues an update-
Two new cases of brucellosis in Wyoming.
December 2, 2010 — Ken ColePark County bison tests positive for brucellosis
By BOB MOEN – Associated Press.
Herd tests positive for brucellosis
By BRENNA BRAATEN – Cody Enterprise.
Obama Administration wants to lift protections for wolf and grizzly
December 1, 2010 — Ken ColeWhen will this Administration represent the people who put them in office?
How many votes do you think this will bring them? And who do they want to do this for? It is turning out that those who are yelling the loudest are poachers and welfare ranchers? Will they ever vote for him?
U.S. wants to lift protections for wolf and grizzly.
By Laura Zuckerman – Reuters
Has the Japanese Whaling Fleet Surrendered?
November 30, 2010 — Ken ColeActivism at work.
Humpback Whale © Ken Cole
I’ve never written about this here but I have been following this campaign for many years and I have been acquainted with a number of people who have volunteered for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society over those years. Of all of the anti-whaling groups out there they are the most effective but also the most controversial. They operate in international waters against a fleet of Japanese whalers who are illegally hunting in a whale sanctuary near Antarctica. Their actions have been chronicled in the popular Whale Wars series on Animal Planet.
I recently met several dedicated employees and Captain Chuck Swift of the Bob Barker, a ship named after the game show host who donated the funds to buy it, while traveling with my friend Mike Mease of the Buffalo Field Campaign and his stories were amazing. These people really put their lives at risk to save wildlife from unsustainable harvest. Chuck gave me a hoody sweatshirt that I wear with pride.
While this may be a short lived victory it is sweet nonetheless. I commend them for their dedication.
Ken Cole.
Has the Japanese Whaling Fleet Surrendered?.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Update December 2, 2010: Japanese whaling ship heads to sea
Former Gov. candidate Rex Rammel could face charges for allegedly killing elk
November 30, 2010 — Ken ColeWow!! Who’s next?
Who knows? If there is a conviction in this case, it might solidify my theory that anti-wolf advocates are behind the decimation of elk herds 😉
Recall, Rex Rammel is the politician who joked about “Obama tags“. He also had a run in with then Governor and now Senator Jim Risch after his canned hunt elk escaped and were shot by Idaho Fish and Game agents.
We’ve written about him here before.
Rex Rammell vs. the Elk vs. the Law
Boise Weekly
Former Gov. candidate could face charges for allegedly killing elk .
KBOI 2 – Boise
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Addition by Ralph Maughan. So this Karen Calisterio in North Idaho who just had a “scary,” but completely unverified encounter with wolves on her property was Rex Rammell’s campaign manager.
New story. Warden confiscates elk from Rex Rammell, plans to file poaching charges. By Rocky Barker – rbarker@idahostatesman.com
Big Polluters Freed from Environmental Oversight by Stimulus
November 30, 2010 — Ken ColeBig Energy companies with criminal records given billions in stimulus funds to wreak havoc on our public lands and wildlife.
The Center for Public Integrity has issued a stinging report on how the Obama Administration has bypassed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) when issuing permits for energy and other projects which involve federal lands or funds. Over and over we have seen that projects are rushed through without any public oversight and in areas where they have severe environmental impacts. Wind farms on public lands without analysis of their impacts on bats, sage grouse, pygmy rabbits, and other wildlife; solar plants on public lands without sufficient analysis on endangered desert tortoise and other imperiled wildlife; power lines and other utilities permitted outside of established corridors without analysis of impacts on wildlife; offshore oil rigs in deep water without proper understanding of how to deal with catastrophic failures. All of these uses are being given a pass under NEPA.
Salazar = Extractive Industries' 'BFF'
What is the problem with this you might ask. Well, I’m sure you remember what happened in the Gulf of Mexico this summer. The Deepwater Horizon was permitted under a categorical exclusion.
In contrast livestock grazing permits are not even renewed under categorical exclusions, they require at least an Environmental Assessment that must undergo public review and can be appealed, in fact I do it all of the time.
These projects also only benefit those with existing power and money while projects, such as rooftop solar and energy efficiency improvements on existing structures which would benefit real people and not come at the expense of irreplaceable wildlife and land resources, are being forgone. It’s all about keeping the wealthy in control of our resources at the public expense.
What is next? Well in Nevada, the scourge of ranchers and water mining entities like the Southern Nevada Water Authority, ancient forests made up of old growth pinyon pine and junipers are being eyed by the energy companies as a source of biomass to fuel turbines. More on that later.
Big Polluters Freed from Environmental Oversight by Stimulus
The Center for Public Integrity
Montana elk hunters around Yellowstone Park have a generally successful season
November 30, 2010 — Ralph MaughanMadison Valley most successful. Number of deer killed down slightly-
Elk hunters successful in 2010. Bozeman Chronicle. By Daniel Person.
In addition hunting was good in Northwestern Montana. Here’s the story. Ideal conditions close hunt season. By JIM MAN. The Daily Inter Lake Daily.
Weather helps western Montana hunters close out big game season. Missoulian.
All the articles say it was the great weather for bringing the elk down where they could be more easily found. However, I thought wolves had nearly destroyed the elk herds. I guess good weather can actually perform a resurrection (or show what bullshit the wolves-have-killed-everything is).
Governors seek ‘road map’ for N. Rockies wolves
November 30, 2010 — Ken ColeTalk about burying the lead, it appears that Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar would back efforts to gut the Endangered Species Act.
Ken Salazar, Secretary of Interior
Ken Salazar met with the governors of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming yesterday and, while Wyoming remains intransigent on the wolf issue, he appears to have sent the message that he supports a legislative gutting of the ESA.
“If Interior officials can’t reach an agreement with Wyoming, Schweitzer said Salazar had pledged to back Idaho and Montana in their efforts before Congress.”
Governors seek ‘road map’ for N. Rockies wolves
Associated Press in the Washington Post
Spring Valley, Nevada
November 29, 2010 — Brian ErtzLenticular clouds over Spring Valley, NV ~ Fall 2010 Katie Fite, WWP
Where NOT to hastily site an Industrial-scale Wind Energy Project
Just north of Great Basin National Park, east of Ely in Eastern Nevada, lies a public landscape called Spring Valley.
Spring Valley is a miraculous place, renowned for its magnificent skies and as critical habitat for sagebrush obligate species such as sage grouse and pygmy rabbit.
Unfortunately, like so many obscure public places around the west, the innumerable environmental values Spring Valley harbors are under threat, ironically by so-called “green energy” projects.
Wolf Politics
November 29, 2010 — Ken ColeThe New York Times Weighs in on the wolf issue.
The New York Times doesn’t like the proposed legislation which would remove protections from wolves either.
Either [bill] would set a terrible precedent, opening the door for special-interest groups to push other inconvenient species off the list. The bills would undercut one of the primary reasons for the act, which was to relieve Congress of the impossible task of legislating protections species by species and leave the final determination to scientists and wildlife management professionals.
Critical habitat for polar bears is finally designated
November 28, 2010 — Ralph Maughan187,157 square miles of Alaskan land and (mostly) ocean to be for the bears-
U.S. Firms Up ‘Critical Habitat’ for Polar Bears. By Felicity Barringer. The Green Blog in the New York Times. Here is the web page on this from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Dept. of Interior).
This is very important, but designation of critical habitat can’t stop the ice from melting. The future of these bears looks grim.
Idaho sheriff denies SSS raffle aims for wolves
November 27, 2010 — Ken ColeAnd people wonder why wolf advocates are wary of state management of wolves…..
Idaho sheriff denies SSS raffle aims for wolves.
Washington Examiner
Critics say Obama lagging on endangered species
November 27, 2010 — Ken ColeWarranted but precluded (by politics)
Has America’s most popular environmental law become incapable of protecting our most vulnerable fellow species?
With the number of species becoming imperiled increasing as population, consumption, climate change grows, the Obama Administration is providing legal protection to fewer species using the excuse that there are not enough resources. This can only lead to more extinctions of species that are facing bigger and bigger threats. It is time to increase the amount of resources for species protection before these irreparable losses occur.
Nearly two years after taking office, Obama has provided Endangered Species Act protection to 51 plants and animals, an average of 25 a year. By comparison, the Clinton administration protected an average of 65 species per year, and the Bush administration listed about eight species a year.
Critics say Obama lagging on endangered species.
The Associated Press
Tester To Chair Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus
November 27, 2010 — Ken ColeWestern Democrats want to gut the Endangered Species Act
Jon Tester, the Democratic Senator for Montana, is facing a tough re-election battle in 2012 which may hinge on the wolf issue. He is desperate to find a solution which allows the State of Montana to manage wolves and wants to get something passed in the Senate during the lame duck session before the next congress is sworn in.
His proposal, also supported by Montana Democratic Senator Max Baucus who sold out on the health care bill, is to change the Endangered Species Act to allow distinct population segments (DPS) to be split along state lines to allow wolves to be delisted in Idaho and Montana and not Wyoming. While this may sound like an innocuous change to the ESA it could have devastating effects on the integrity of the ESA for other species. To use political boundaries rather than biological boundaries based on defensible science would allow the Interior Department to incrementally list or delist species based on politics rather than science, a goal of ESA opponents for many years. Essentially it would gut the Act and make it even an weaker tool for protecting endangered species.
But Tester said he thinks there is still a chance that the wolf issue could be dealt with this year. He favors some plan that puts management of the wolf back into state management in Montana and Idaho.
“That is one I would like to get done this lame duck session,” Tester said. “I think the state of Montana had a pretty good plan.”
Tester To Chair Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus – cbs4denver.com.
Otter meeting with Interior secretary, other governors on wolves
November 27, 2010 — Ken ColeSalazar can’t just change the rules without an open, public process under NEPA.
The governors of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana are meeting with Ken Salazar in Denver on Monday to talk about wolves. It will be interesting to see what comes of this. Really, there are very few options for the Department of Interior short of trying again but until Wyoming’s plan is accepted it is unlikely they would be successful. There may still be efforts to get a legislative change to the Endangered Species Act during the lame duck session but for some reason I find them unlikely to move forward.
Otter meeting with Interior secretary, other governors on wolves.
Idaho Reporter
Oil companies lose first round on Highway 12
November 25, 2010 — Ralph MaughanHearing judge recommends that Highway 12 residents should be allowed to intervene against movement of giant oil equipment-
What a pleasant Thanksgiving surprise!
Hearing officer sides with foes of megaloads. By Todd Dvorak. Associated Press.
Utah High court: State can be sued for 2007 bear attack
November 24, 2010 — Ralph MaughanA sorry decision that will threaten all kinds of wildlife-
A result of this will be state agencies killing wildlife and closing campgrounds when a theoretically dangerous animal is seen within five miles of them.
High court: State can be sued for bear attack. By Donald W. Meyers. The Salt Lake Tribune.
We let unemployed homeless freeze on the streets but then baby people when they should be responsible.
Living with Wolves: An Oregon Field Guide Special
November 24, 2010 — Ken ColeSlow progress for Oregon’s wolves
Oregon Field Guide recently broadcast a special about Oregon’s wolves and how they are dealing with people and how people are dealing with them. It has been a tough road for the wolves there and many wolves have been killed by the government on behalf of livestock interests and by poachers. One of the biggest difficulties faced by the wolves is the presence of livestock and the sense of entitlement felt by ranchers who think they deserve a predator free landscape.
Living with Wolves: An Oregon Field Guide Special
Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Can Vladimir Putin save endangered tigers?
November 23, 2010 — Ralph MaughanRussian leader gives big boost to the International Tiger Forum-
Vladimir Putin has been making quite a name for himself in recent years as a man of outdoor activity, and one not afraid of large carnivores. He hopes to save the tiger from extinction. The International Tiger Forum hopes to raise an astonishing $350-million for tiger conservation with his help and others such as head of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick.
Perhaps the weenies of the West (politicians in the interior Western United States) might emulate him when it comes to powerful impressive animals.
Can Vladimir Putin save endangered tigers? The Week
The article above says Russia sees the tiger as a symbol of national strength. Around here it seems to be the cow, or, more likely, the sheep.
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Update: Russia, China pledge to save the tiger. By Alissa de Carbonnel. News Daily
Intelligentsia of the North Fork
November 22, 2010 — louise wagenknecht
Saw this sign late in October near Gibbonsville, Idaho. This business serves beer and pizza to hunters. I wonder if the Guv knows how literally some people here take his pronouncements. Then again, he probably does. And doesn’t care.
Do ranchers have a right to predator free landscape?
November 22, 2010 — Brian ErtzGeorge Wuerthner nails it again, questioning the chief assumption that informs livestock-wolf conflict management.
Do ranchers have a right to predator free landscape? – George Wuethner, NewWest
One of the unquestioned and unspoken assumptions heard across the West is that ranchers have a right to a predator free environment. Even environmental groups like Defenders of Wildlife more or less legitimize this perspective by supporting unqualified compensation for livestock losses to bears and wolves.
Only when the answer to George’s question is “yes” do any of the management prescriptions currently taking place, including compensation, “control”/eradication via tax-payer appropriations to Wildlife Services (sic), and other absurd de facto subsidies make any sense at all ~ particularly *but not uniquely* on public lands that belong to all of us.
Wolf bills are probably dead
November 21, 2010 — Ralph MaughanWill they emerge in the next Congress?
Due to the gridlock in Congress, the bills to sidestep the endangered species act seem to be dead in the current lame duck session of Congress.
Wolf bills unlikely to advance this Congress. By Matthew Brown. Associated Press
On the surface it would seem like the reactionary* new Congress will be fertile ground for attacks on the ESA, but a government shutdown, attacks on social security and medicare, might cause so much conflict that lesser things will not move.
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*Today’s poplar political rhetoric is impoverished. The word “radical” is freely applied to all kinds of views a person or groups don’t agree with. However, long historical use is for extreme left wing measures to be called “radical,” while extreme right wing attempts to move backwards beyond conservative are called “reactionary.”
Special interests are Utah politicians’ cash cows
November 21, 2010 — Ralph MaughanCompared to the Utah legislature, members of Congress raise much more from their local constituents-
Only 5% of the campaign money spent by candidates for the Utah legislature came from the folks in the candidates’ home legislative district.
Special interests are Utah politicians’ cash cows. Salt Lake Tribune. By Lee Davidson
This is important because of the constant drum beat pounding out the tune that the state’s are closer to the people than the astronomically far off denizens of Washington D.C. This matters plenty when wildlife issues are considered.
Much awaited hearing: Oil companys says plaintiffs in Highway 12 suit lack standing
November 19, 2010 — Ralph MaughanHearing officer limits testimony he will consider to small matters-
The much awaited hearing on giant oil machinery on Highway 12 was held today in Boise. It sounds like the Idaho Dept. of Transportation hearing officer will oil the way for the movement of the giant oil modules.
The hearing officer said he would only consider the first 4 modules, not the hundreds more to follow. The first 4 go to the Billings, Montana refinery, not Alberta’s tar sand pits.
The oil company said the plaintiffs, 4 citizens along Highway 12, lack standing to because they weren’t singled out — the transport won’t affect them to any greater extent than other citizens along the highway. Happily for Conoco, the hearing officer also said he would limit his review to whether foes have a right to get involved at this stage of the process.”
Oil company says foes lack standing in US 12 case. By Todd Dvorak. AP (from Business Week)
Boise Weekly has a story giving more of the color of the hearing. Overflow Hearing on Oversized Loads. By George Prentice.
Leader of Mexican wolf recovery steps down
November 19, 2010 — Ralph MaughanFamily concerns!
We always know that sounds suspicious. Nevertheless, if he does have an sick relative, I wish them the best recovering.
Bud Fazio to move to Albuquerque to work on fish. AP
– – – – –
I will go out on a limb and say this was not voluntary!
Island Park, Idaho: Nature Conservancy. A bit more protection for their Henry’s Lake Project
November 19, 2010 — Ralph MaughanWildlife migration routes protected near this “working ranch”-
It was a wonderful thing when the Nature Conservancy purchased most of Henry’s Lake Flat in the 1970s to protect Henry’s Lake Outlet (stream), which is a major component of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River headwaters. This also protected much of the sometimes beautiful flat from what would probably be very obnoxious sub-divisions.
The Conservancy fenced off Henry’s Lake Outlet from cattle, and its banks have been restored. However, they could have removed the cattle from the the flat. As a result the dominant use of the flat is cattle, not wildlife. These compromises were made no doubt to please the Fremont County Commission. I’m not impressed with this “working ranch” stuff. When you drive by on the highway to West Yellowstone you can sometimes see deer and pronghorn . . . sandhill crane too, but overwhelmingly you see a flat full of cows.
The other day I stopped by and took a photo of this for Google Earth. Idaho “wildife” 😉 on Henry’s Lake Flat. View is to the east.
It’s good to see a little more protection for wildlife in the area has now been obtained. Here is the news release from the Nature Conservancy. Conservation Easement Protects Henry’s Lake Ranch
Colorado outfitter fined $40,000
November 19, 2010 — Ralph MaughanVeteran guide gets a big fine for illegal deer hunting with clients-
Outfitter fined nearly $40,000 for illegal hunting. By The Denver Post.
Does anyone have much knowledge of the “Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact” mentioned in the article?
Hatch-22: The Problem with the Pacific Salmon Resurgence
November 19, 2010 — Ken ColeMore salmon but more of them are of hatchery origin
The proportion of hatchery versus wild Pacific salmon has risen to 1 in 5 with an overall production of 5 billion smolts produced annually, up from just 500 million in 1970. There are problems which stem from this. For imperiled salmon, the competition and genetic implications from these hatchery fish can be profound and effect the survivability of the runs which face the highest risk.
Hatch-22: The Problem with the Pacific Salmon Resurgence.
By Bruce Barcott – AlterNet
Conoco hires big Idaho lobbyist to speed their use of Highway 12
November 18, 2010 — Ralph MaughanThis is important, and there is a story. Usually we don’t hear (read of) the really important stuff, and this is.
Idaho lobbyist to lead campaign for Conoco. AP in Magicvalley.com
Judge sides with Wyoming in wolf case
November 18, 2010 — Ken ColeU.S. District Judge Alan Johnson Rules that USFWS was not justified in rejecting Wyoming’s woefully inadequate wolf management plan.
Recall that Judge Molloy ruled in 2008 that the USFWS arbitrarily accepted Wyoming’s wolf management plan without justification after initially rejecting it. Specifically Molloy said that the USFWS “acted arbitrarily and capriciously when it approved Wyoming’s 2007 plan despite the State’s failure to commit to managing for 15 breeding pairs and the plan’s malleable trophy game area”.
Updated: Judge sides with Wyoming in wolf case.
By JEREMY PELZER Casper Star-Tribune capital bureau
More on close wolf encounters
November 18, 2010 — Ralph MaughanWhat does wolves close up mean?
If a wolf approaches you, you should certainly not assume it wants to eat you. On the other hand, watch it closely, it isn’t necessary benign.
Some people can “read” dogs, cats, horses, and other animals. People who can’t fill in the blanks with their hopes, fears, and generalizations from other animals.
This last month we witnessed the fearful reaction of two Montana hunters to a pack of wolves nearby. Flathead Valley hunters shoot wolf, say they were surrounded. By Tristan Scott of the Missoulian. Over the years, we have posted a number of other accounts where people had “scary,” close wolf encounters. Some folks will recall the humorous story of the Forest Service employees (from Utah) who encountered howling wolves in the middle of the Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho (I don’t recall if they even saw one of the wolves), but they were so frightened by the howls they had a Forest Service helicopter fly into the designated Wilderness area to be evacuated.
I have heard no “scary” stories from people except from those already hateful or frightened of wolves, and who had a close encounter.
I’ve had two close encounters. With the first (1997) I was so overconfident, I was just stupid. We (five of us) repeatedly approached the Rose Creek Pack on Specimen Ridge in Yellowstone when they had about 18 members. The wolves kept trotting 50 to 100 yards ahead, stopping and bark howling. At the time I didn’t know a bark howl is a much different message than a howl.
I have posted the story how being circled by wolves was thought to be a wonderful experience.
Here is another interesting close encounter. Ken Cole posted this story today too. It ended just fine, but it’s hard to know what the wolf was doing. Calm of the wild. Living with wolves takes some practice by Tim Lydon. Writers on the Range in the Missoula Independent. Ken also posts his own experiences.
I think if people have a scary wolf experience it is probably because they interpret most wolf behavior as something to be frightened of. To take it step farther, a frightened person might look like prey to an otherwise uninterested wolf.
Maybe some people are natural prey.
Calm of the wild
November 18, 2010 — Ken ColeA wolf encounter
Tim Lydon, who works in Alaska, writes of an encounter he had with a wolf there during the late summer that was very calm and seemed motivated out of curiosity more than anything.
Calm of the wild.
by Tim Lydon – Missoula Independent
This is similar to all of the “close encounters” I have had with wolves over the years in Idaho. On a number of occasions, while working near Clayton, Idaho, I actively sought out wolf encounters with the Buffalo Ridge Pack. On at least 4 occasions I encountered wolves, while on foot during the late evening or at night, and the wolves only expressed mild interest when they mistook me for other wolves after I howled.
On one of those occasions I surprised the whole pack that had come down to the steelhead pond that I was tending for the Idaho Fish and Game so that they could eat the smolts that hadn’t left the pond yet. I had been given a radio receiver so that I could monitor the wolves while they interacted with the turbo-fladry which was being tested around the pond after several consecutive years where they came to feed there.
Anonymous Poacher Taunts Idaho Wildlife Agents From Everett
November 17, 2010 — Brian ErtzWTF?
It’s just a sick game to some people :
Anonymous Poacher Taunts Idaho Wildlife Agents From Everett – KOMO News via KXLY
The letter reads in part: “Here is a picture of the nice buck I poached up in northern Idaho this year. & I plan to do all my Idaho hunting like this from now on. & I’ll send a picture of my nice pronghorn next. Also my turkey.”
FYI: There is a big study on historic wolf attacks
November 17, 2010 — Ralph MaughanThis is nothing new, but most people don’t know about it-
Wolf attack numbers and details are always controversial, and much of the information people find is very poor. This is one large study on-line (pdf), however, that is often missed. It dates from 2002. It is The Fear of Wolves: A review of wolf attacks on humans. It was done in Norway, but covers the entire earth.
I am reposting it because of the frequency of this question. If it is posted in more locations, it will also show up more in search engines.
Poaching level surprises Oregon wildlife managers
November 16, 2010 — Ralph MaughanA reason for the decline in mule deer in Oregon?
The study that found this wasn’t looking for poaching per se. It simply emerged as a very major cause of death.
Good to get this out there before wolves are blamed. There are only about 20 wolves in Oregon so far. Already the article mentioned them.
Poaching level surprises Oregon wildlife managers. AP
There were 500 radio collared mule deer in the study. The study period was 5 years. The study was between Bend and south to the CA border. A total of 128 deer died during the 5 years. Poachers got 19, legal hunters got 21, cougar got 15,8 died when hit by vehicles, disease felled 5, 4 got into non-vehicle accidents (such as entanglement in fences). 51 died of unknown causes, which would have put more into each of the previous categories.
New Hurdle for California Condors May Be DDT From Years Ago
November 16, 2010 — Ralph MaughanDDT breakdown products and lead poisoning still threaten this high profile endangered species-
New Hurdle for California Condors May Be DDT From Years Ago. By John Moir. New York Times.
PhD student sought for study on what affects adult elk survival and recruitment in Bitterroot Valley
November 16, 2010 — Ralph MaughanThis is a job offer that looks like it could be interesting and of great value-
It could be controversial too.
Wolf transition from Idaho Fish and Game is still not complete
November 15, 2010 — Ralph MaughanFeds still looking for a cooperating, non-Idaho agency-
Personally, I’d rather see the federal government manage them in Idaho. They are doing it in Wyoming, and the wolf population there is growing slowly, livestock losses are stable or declining, and every elk unit its above the population “target” in Wyoming.
In Idaho, before Idaho Fish and Game Department took over, the feds (meaning Carter Niemeyer, the federal wolf manager) oversaw a similar situation.
If a cooperating agency is not found for Idaho, however, it may be that there will be no Idaho wolf population count for 2010. That will mean that every interest will make their own claim. Perhaps the extremes will be those saying there are less than 100 wolves and the other extreme 10,000 wolves.
Idaho wolf management transition still not complete. U.S. Fish and Wildlife still looking for monitoring agency. By Katherine Wutz. Idaho Mountain Express staff writer
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