www.weatherby-foundation.org

Vanishing Lands

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You’ve probably seen it happening all around you or you might have even heard about it while living the green life of Energy Savings and conservation efforts. As the world continues to advance and industry continues to move forward, the wilderness seems to diminish in its wake.

What’s the big deal? It’s not an insulting question and many people who simply don’t understand the wilderness and how we fit into the equation, frankly, deserve an answer.

It’s simple, really. I’ll start by asking you when the last time you saw a bee was. It’s not a difficult question. When was the last time you saw a bee? In recent years, various species of insect and animal alike have begun to mysteriously vanish and it all seems to correlate with our advancing industry and its strides toward perfection.

If you ask what the big deal is about conservation, we would have to tell you that, among other things, the disappearance of entire species is a pretty big deal. You see, the world is an ordered ecosystem, a machine, that really needs all of its parts to work both smoothly and properly. Take out a spring, remove a cog and the machine might yet run but there’s no telling what else could go wrong from the missing pieces.

That’s why wilderness conservation is so important. Preserving the wilderness, in a lot of ways, means preserving ourselves.

National Audubon Society’s Endangered Species Campaign

admin — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has served as an important component of environmental protection for decades but like many environmental protections finds itself in danger of being dismantled in the current political environment. The National Audubon Society is running a campaign to defend the ESA. Their efforts include educating members of Congress and mobilizing activists, largely to correct popularly held myths about the ESA.

One such myth is that the ESA values animals over people. This simply is not true. The ESA requires that human concerns are always considered when placing a species on the list or when developing protection efforts.

Another myth is that the ESA hasn’t done much good. In fact, the ESA, according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, has prevented the extinction of 99 of the species placed on the list.

There are also a variety of criticisms that the act intrudes upon private property and blocks activities and development projects on protected land. The reality is that with consultation from environmental agencies and sometimes with minor modifications, very few activities or projects are blocked by the act.

It is important that these myths are refuted and the ESA is recognized for what it is”an effective foundational component of environmental conservation.

Help Endangered Species What To Do

admin — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Helping endangered species is not as difficult as most people think. If everyone followed a few easy steps, endangered species would be allowed a fighting chance. A homeowner can set up a birdbath and bird feeder to allow birds that live in the area a better chance of survival. Never use pesticides or toxic chemicals in your yard or property. toxic chemicals leech into the water supply and will sicken and/or kill animals who depend on that water.
Never buy any products that are made of endangered animal or their body parts. If the demand for endangered animal products diminished, there would be no market for the goods. No market for endangered animal goods means that the animals will be allowed to survive and thrive in their natural habitat. Allowing the survival of endangered animals helps out everyone.
Recycle. Recycling allows companies to use the recycled materials instead of having to destroy more forests or use non-sustainable products. Buy or use products in your home that are only self sustainable such as recycled paper goods and flooring made from bamboo. Buy only products that are recyclable. Never use styrofoam and do not patronize businesses who use styrofoam products. If every person followed these few basic steps, the results to endangered animals will be enormous.

Bald And Golden Eagle Protection Act

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Our national bird, and its cousin, has always been a symbol of greatness in Native American culture and US history. Not long ago, these birds were in danger of extinction. The Bald Eagle Protection Act is meant to protect these beautiful and majestic creatures. The act contains stringent stipulations and serious consequences. If you are from another country, or a hunter, beware of the following enforceable violations.

If you kill one, you will be subject to civil and criminal charges. You are not allowed to shoot one with a gun, bow, or any hunting device.You can find a quick rundown here You are not allowed to capture, trap, collect, transport, molest, or disrupt a bald or gold eagle in any way. People with any association of a person committing these crimes will be prosecuted, as well. You cannot sell, barter, trade, buy, import, or export these birds. You also cannot be in possession of their eggs, or harvest them in captivity.

These are only a few of the regulations. If you are found to be in violation, you could be fined up to 5,000 per violation. Some exceptions will be made and a permit granted. In general, you should take photographs and admire them from a far to avoid criminal persecution.

Safe Fishing Practices Protect The Waters

admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

I will always remember my first fishing trip with my father. It was the typical warm summer morning and the sun was breaking over the horizon when my dad gently cast my line into the water. I was still a bit too young to be trusted not to throw the whole rod and reel into the lake. As the years pass by, time has a way of making you forget some things. However, I still have not forgotten the lessons my father passed on that day.You can find a quick rundown here He was an avid conservationist and believed that people could enjoy the great outdoors without damaging the environment. Throughout the day, he explained to me how litter can destroy wildlife and pollute our waters. My father also pointed out that catch and release programs are designed to preserve the wildlife and protect the water we all depend upon for life. He instilled in me a sense of stewardship over the fishing holes we frequently visited. As I now have my own child, I too emphasize the importance of safe fishing practices. Such as cleaning up your litter and catch and release guidelines. Hopefully, my child will feel the same responsibility to protecting our waters.