01.28.2005

Hi, Friends!

Another week comes to a close, and it’s as amazing how much gets done as it is how much goes undone.

Prairie Wildlife Crisis Intensifies
With no staff dedicated to prairie wildlife issues, RMAD is challenged to appropriately manage the many regional crises currently facing prairie wildlife. Lafayette needs attention, as the city is revisiting its prairie dog policies. Boulder’s open space plan needs attention, as prairie wildlife will be substantially impacted if the self-interested constituency gets its way with trail access. The “fence issue” at North Boulder Park needs attention, as many residents there are clamoring for lethal control. Denver is on a path that would result in further deaths of what little prairie wildlife remains within that city. We’re doing the best we can in addressing these issues and involving appropriate partners, but we can always use more help.

It appears Classic Homes in Colorado Springs is willing to grant at least a temporary reprieve to the colony that exists on land the company is currently developing. Our negotiations continue. Prairie Dog Action has been a key partner in this effort, and we couldn’t have made much progress without them. We’ll keep you posted on details.

Other Wildlife Issues
We’re still working the XCEL Canal rescue. We’ve had two rescue days since I last wrote and have pulled many more stranded turtles and fish from the canal. The following people helped out over the past week: Jill Bielawski, Cody Yelton, David Shomper, Ashley Mills, Chris Jones, Matt Bear, Barbara Bear, Tim "Mr. Bones" Seeber, James DeSimone and Paula Lewis. Much gratitude!!

The bill to double fines for traffic infractions in wildlife crossing zones is expected on the House floor any time. And Dave Welch of Bleating Hearts reports that DIA has been trapping rabbits.

One Person Making a Difference
RMAD’s Ann Swissdorf provided a local schoolteacher with the Vegan Food Pyramid as an alternative to the impoverished USDA pyramid. The teacher posted the VFP poster next to the USDA one, providing a compelling juxtaposition. Cheers to Ann and the anonymous educator!

Dining Out Day
We at Rocky Mountain Animal Defense express our gratitude to Dan Landes and the Watercourse crew for hosting RMAD's second annual Dining Out Day. We thank Dan Hanley for putting his time and heart into the effort. And we thank the volunteers and supporters who made this fundraiser a tremendous success. The event raised more than $2000 to support RMAD's efforts on behalf of our animal friends.

Other Public Service
In addition to the work described above, RMAD staff responded to two requests for help on prairie wildlife, six requests for help on companion animals, and three inquiries on general matters.

Remember to tell me about what you do for the animals, so I can share your story with readers of this weekly review!

-Dave

David Crawford, Executive Director
Rocky Mountain Animal Defense