Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation New Federal Policy Supports Use of Feathers
in Tribal Cultural and Religious Practices October 12, 2012 The Department of Justice issued a new policy today designed to support the cultural and religious practices of federally-recognized tribes and tribal members while protecting native migratory bird populations. The new policy clarifies and expands existing policy protecting the right of tribal members to posess and use feathers and other parts from eagles and other federally-protected migratory birds for cultural and religious purposes. The Fish and Wildlife Service and DOJ conducted extensive consultation with tribal leaders and tribal groups in developing the new policy. Photo Caption: Diana Sue Uqualla, representing the Havasupai Tribe, offers a blessing at the 2010 dedication of a Native American landmark and ampitheater at Grand Canyon National Park..
Credit: Erin Whittaker / UPS
Landscape Conservation: Working with Others AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS: Partners Work Together to Enhance Rio Grande Watershed October 12, 2012 Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science Anne Castle during a recent visit to Big Bend National Park recognized the Big Bend Conservation Cooperative's efforts to conserve the Rio Grande watershed. Castle highlighted the Cooperative as a model of the kind of partnership that is the foundation of President Obama's America's Great Outdoors Rivers Initiative. The Big Bend Conservation Cooperative -- led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and includes more than 30 organizations together with state and local partners -- supports conservation efforts that benefit communities, outdoor recreationists and native plants, fish and wildlife. Photo Caption: Anne Castle, Assistant Secretary for the Department of the Interior; Jeff Bennett, National Park Service; and Jack Schmidt, U.S. Geological Survey, talk about river flows and invasive riparian vegetation on a recent visit to Big Bend National Park. Castle highlighted the efforts of the Big Bend Conservation Cooperative, led by USFWS, USGS and Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept and includes more than 30 particiipating organizations.
Credit: Aimee Roberson / USFWS
National Wildlife Refuge System: Conserving Our Lands and Resources Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week October 11, 2012 Many of the nation's 560 national wildlife refuges will host public events in honor of National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 14-20. Wildlife refuges protect wildlife and their habitats while also providing world-class hunting, fishing and hiking. Check the special events calendar for Refuge Week events near you. Photo Caption: National Wildlife Refuge Week 2012
Credit: USFWS
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation BoatUS, Service Video Salutes Boaters Contribution to Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration October 6, 2012
This year marks 75 years of successful fish and wildlife
management made possible by America's hunters, anglers, archers, and boaters through
the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. This effort involves payment of an excise tax, initially paid by
the sporting equipment manufacturer, and passed on to the individual purchaser of sporting
equipment used in their outdoor pursuits. Then most of the funding is passed along
to the various state wildlife agencies by the Service to support their wildlife conservation and
habitat enhancement efforts. One often hears about the role of the hunters and anglers play in this
outstanding program, but less concerning the vital contributions made by America's boating
public through the purchase of boats, motors, motorboat fuel. The Service and BoatUS
recently produced a brief video explaining boater's contributions and saluting the
75th anniversary of this outstanding conservation effort.
Carson's 'Silent Spring' Spurred Environmental Movement
Rachel Carson wasn't someone you'd expect to spark a movement..Yet 50 years ago Thursday, this marine biologist published Silent Spring, widely credited with spurring the modern environmental movement...Learn More
