3.25.05

Hello, All-

Wildlife Crossing Bill
As many of you know, Colorado House Bill 1043 (to double fines for speeding violations in 12 key wildlife crossing zones) was killed in the Senate Agriculture committee this week. We are very disappointed. Rural senators were, for some reason, bent on killing the bill. The only explanation I can come up with is that the Colorado Cattleman’s Association, the Farm Bureau, and the Colorado Woolgrowers’ Association determined that this legislation was exclusively aimed at improving the lives of animals, and therefore they opposed it. All three organizations testified against the bill. All three organizations yield heavy influence among rural legislators. I think those of us who worked on the bill did a great job. Just getting it through the Colorado House was quite an accomplishment. Special thanks to Rep. Mary Hodge and Sen. Brandon Shaffer, Lynee’ Zajac, and the Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project.

Still, we helped raise awareness of the issue of road mortality. The Telluride paper wrote about it (though I can’t yet find the article online). And the Glenwood Springs paper put together an excellent piece (see http://www.postindependent.com/article/200550323017).

North Boulder Prairie Wildlife
Some of the folks in North Boulder continue to resist efforts to humanely manage prairie dogs. The latest word this week is that a group of citizens is calling for lethal control and threatening a citizen’s initiative if city council doesn’t go along. The whole thing’s a bit confusing. After all, we just finished a lengthy process establishing a revised city ordinance. The Daily Camera covered the situation (see appended article). For what it’s worth, my response to the reporter didn’t contain an ounce of anger. Some reporters think they need to heighten tension to make for good reading. The fact of the matter is, RMAD’s role in North Boulder has been one of conciliation and cooperation – sadly, qualities overlooked in today’s competition for readers. But, hey, the story resulted in a letter to the editor calling me a “goober,” and that’s a first.

Fur Demo
Can’t find my notes on this. I believe last Saturday’s demo was yet another success. The word from the front lines is that the store management at Marks-Lloyds is a bit, uh, verklempt about our continued presence.

Outreach and PR
The Daily Camera was kind enough to design and print an official RMAD thank-you to the Boulder community for its support of the turtle/fish rescue. See the attached file. (You’ll find a bonus image of Tim and James and a snapper they’re assisting.)

Just finished another productive meeting with volunteers in preparation for the summer tabling season. We are developing new plans for our best ever presence at festivals and fairs. Right now, we need help with putting together literature and posters. If you want to help, send an email to ChrisJ@rmad.org.

Happy Weekend to you all!

-Dave


Prairie dog fence plan stalls
Consulting firm will monitor park for encroachment by rodents
By Ryan Morgan, Camera Staff WriterMarch 23, 2005
A proposed prairie dog fence in North Foothills Community Park is on hold while wildlife experts watch to see if the burrowing critters encroach on the expensive new playing fields.
Meanwhile, a group of neighbors says it will hire a lawyer to re-draft Boulder's wildlife ordinance and take it directly to voters this fall if the City Council doesn't approve it.


Advertisement




"We'll let council see if they want to take it up," said park neighbor and fence opponent Leslie Kinder. "If they don't, we'll hire petitioners and make it a ballot issue."
That drew an angry reaction from members of Rocky Mountain Animal Defense, who said they want to come up with a way to make neighbors happy without killing any animals.
"We will strongly resist any approach that falls back on the old kill 'em and bury 'em angle," said RMAD co-founder Dave Crawford. "We believe that if those folks want to truly make a difference and be humane about it that they'll work with us on fully exploring humane options."
The fence has been an on-and-off proposal over the past nine months.
In July, parks workers started digging a trench to install the quarter-mile-long barrier. Park administrators worried that prairie dogs on adjacent Open Space and Mountain Parks property would burrow onto the fields of the $12 million park and ruin them.
City Manager Frank Bruno put construction on hold last summer after neighbors complained, saying the fence would be ugly and ineffective. The City Council took the matter up earlier this year, only to deadlock on whether the fence should be built.
At that point, Bruno said he'd proceed with the barrier. But last week, the city changed course again.
The city will spend $24,000 to build fencing to protect a pond and a dog park. The city also will pay the consulting firm Wild Places $7,800 to monitor the park seven days a week.
Jeanne Scholl, a conservation manager for the Parks and Recreation Department, said parks employees are drawing up thresholds — imaginary lines — that prairie dogs can't cross.
If prairie dogs cross those thresholds, she said, the contract with Wild Places will terminate and the city will decide how to deal with the dogs.
Since "lethal control" isn't an option, and relocation is usually prohibitively difficult, that most likely means the fence would be built at that point, Scholl said.
"Obviously, your toolbox is fairly limited," she said. "Barriers are an alternative, and I think that's an issue that we're going to look at."
While parks officials are nearly certain the animals will encroach farther on the field, they could be proven wrong, she said, in which case everyone — animal rights activists and park neighbors alike — would be satisfied. If that scenario doesn't unfold, Scholl said the monitoring program still buys the city some time to discuss the broader issue of how prairie dogs should be managed.
Fence opponent Kinder said she and her neighbors will spend that time trying to find a lawyer. They'll start their drafting in the next six to eight weeks. Their ideal management plan would echo those of cities such as Fort Collins, she said. That policy designates certain parcels of land — those abutting valuable parks, for example — as "removal areas" and allows lethal measures on those areas.
But Crawford, the RMAD member, said neighbors should instead sit down with other "stakeholders" to come up with a policy that avoids killing prairie dogs while satisfying neighbors' concerns.
Just because a solution isn't immediately apparent doesn't mean it's impossible to achieve, he said. Crawford said spaying or neutering prairie dogs or using contraceptives might prove to be viable alternatives.
"We put a man on the moon," he said. "This is a challenge that requires innovative thinking."
Contact Camera Staff Writer Ryan Morgan at (303) 473-1333 or morganr@dailycamera.com.

3.18.05

Hello Friends –

We've finalized most of the materials we'll be presenting to the Senate Committee next week for the Wildlife Crossing Bill. Looks like this is it - the big vote. We're confident that our revised approach for specific test areas will appeal to the powers that be. It would really strengthen our potential if you could take the time to call your Senator and encourage them to vote in favor of H.B. 1043, to protect human lives and wildlife. If you live in a district represented by a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee (listed below), your call is even more important! Please contact him/her and let them know that this legislation will save human lives, help limit property damage and protect Colorado’s wildlife. Ask him/her to support H.B. 1043.

Senate Agriculture Committee Members
Sen. Jim Isgar, Committee Chair (Representing Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan and San Miguel Counties)

Sen. Dan Grossman, Committee Vice-Chair (Representing Denver and Jefferson Counties)

Sen. Lewis Entz (Representing Alamosa Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mineral, Pitkin, Rio Grande and Saguache Counties)

Sen. Peter Groff (Representing Adams and Denver Counties)

Sen. Mark Hillman (Representing Cheyenne, Elbert, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Prowers, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma Counties

Sen. Jack Taylor (Representing Eagle, Garfield, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt Counties)

Sen. Lois Tochtrop (Representing Adams County)

There have been some changes in the Foothills Community Park (located west of Broadway between Locust Avenue and Lee Hill Road). According to the city newsletter, “The installation of a metal barrier will not go forward at this time. Instead, the city is negotiating a contract with Wild Places, a wildlife consulting agency, to actively monitor the prairie dogs at the park for up to one year. Wild Places will monitor the prairie dogs at the park site, seven days-a-week, at a cost of $7,800 a year. City staff will develop thresholds for the movement and encroachment of prairie dogs near or in the park site (number of prairie dogs and the location of burrows). If these thresholds are exceeded, the contract will terminate and the city manager will notify City Council and the public of the specific mitigation strategy that will be implemented. City staff will proceed with the installation of wire mesh to reinforce the existing chain link fence at the dog park and will install underground wire mesh on the south berm of the detention pond. The cost of the mesh to help prevent prairie dog encroachment at these sites will be $24,000 for the dog park area and $44,000 for the detention pond area.”

RMAD and Wild Places believe this approach will foster a more better relationship with Boulder residents and encourage the long-term safety of the wildlife in the area. Thanks to Susan at Wild Places for all her hard work on this!

A concerned and active citizen from my home state of Massachusetts contacted us for help with pigeon help. We were able to get her a wealth of information on pigeon poisoning, especially related to the horrific Avitrol. She is working with her town to use a humane treatment, which supposedly give the birds a stomach ache and is seen only the in the UV spectrum of birds’ eyesight. We don’t know much about this pellet, but let’s hope this works better.

The compassion club met this week. A small but effective and passionate group worked on a mission statement to better streamline the orientation of the meetings. I have personally been to every meeting so far and it is quickly becoming a vital resource for myself and others who seek to better deal with the difficulties and vicarious trauma that we incur through activism. I highly encourage anyone to attend, no matter how far along you are in your quest for a more compassionate world. Huge thanks for Matt Bear for organizing this, thanks to Alisa Yablonski for facilitating, thanks to those who brought awesome food, and thanks to everyone who attended.

More than 20 protesters took the streets of Denver to protest the impending seal clubbings in Canada. Thanks to the efforts of Sisley Milroy and Ann Swissdorf, this event came together to speak for the harp seals who are subject to the violent whims of Canada’s seafood industry. If for some odd reason you are still consuming oceanic wildlife, please consider at least boycotting Canadian seafood as the majority of clubbers are fisherman seeking some work in the off season. Simply one more reason to go vegetarian!

More thanks for Ann Swissdorf. Ann was able to raise the plane fare to get the fascinating Dr. Michael Greger to town for a couple of talks. Double thanks for the donor who is covering the costs! As far as I know, Michael still needs a place to stay in Boulder and Aurora. Please let myself know if you can help and I’ll direct you to Ann.

Must have been a tough assignment for some middle school kids this week. I had a plethora of inquiries from young students wanting to know about fur and animal testing. I spared them the details (though I’m sure they’ve seen worse on TV) and did my best to explain what is wrong with wearing another creature’s skin or testing cosmetics on animals. Hopefully some young activists in the making. In addition we dealt with the usual range of inquiries ranging from a few prairie dogs to a few more companion animal and a few in betweens. It’s never a dull moment here - and it shouldn’t be until all cages are empty and all beings are free.

Have a good weekend -- - - - - - -

Chris

3.11.05

Hi, All.

Happy Friday!

Updates
RMAD’s considering a move to Denver – Lower Downtown. We’d be in a building with a number of progressive nonprofits. Not much difference in rent. What are your thoughts? If you’re in Denver, are you apt to drop by the office from time to time to help out?

We ironed out the details this week on designating pilot areas where wildlife crossing zones will have double fines for speeding. We’re expecting to be in front of the Colorado senate ag committee next Wednesday in support of this bill. Our gratitude to HSUS for financial support in bringing in a key testifier.

RMAD has been working with Wild Places over the past few weeks in proposing a non-lethal solution to an intensifying situation at the Foothills Community Park in North Boulder. Neighbors there don’t want a barrier to keep the prairie dogs from playing fields. Their objections have led to substantial bad press for our prairie dog friends. RMAD and Wild Places are asking the city to hold off on the barrier for a year and instead manage the prairie dogs on a case-by-case basis if they in fact migrate to areas deemed unsuitable for them. City staff has been very good about meeting with us and explaining their position. We’ll know a lot more next week, when council discusses the issue.

More lives were saved this week at the XCEL Canal. James DeSimone, Tim "Dr. Bones" Seeber, Paula and Chris moved two more snappers, a baby painted, a large painted and a large fish out of the canal to safety.

Big thanks to Ruth Baranowski and Ken Kim for stepping up to the keyboard while Bob Rose is away. Bob’s absence reminds us that you don’t know what you got till it’s gone.

The butt-kickin’ RMAD volunteer grant-writing team submitted a grant application in support of our Vegetarian Program this week. Will HealthCoop.org see daylight before the days start getting shorter in 2005? Stay tuned.

The team also submitted a grant application to the Lauren Townsend Foundation (thanks especially to Val!) in support of our prairie wildlife work. As I return in my mind to Columbine, where Lauren lost her life, I still get a terrible feeling of sadness. I am forever changed by that day. And forever grateful to Lauren for leaving a legacy of assistance for animal protection workers.

In addition to the above work, the RMAD staff responded to one inquiry on prairie wildlife, three inquiries on companion animals, and five general inquiries.

One Person Making a Difference
As part of a free-lance project editing a homeowner’s guide, RMAD activist Jill Bielawski was snared by the phrase: “Set mousetraps on either side of the garage.” Jill suggested a cruelty-free version: “Place humane catch-and-release mousetraps on either side of the garage. Check daily, and relocate any mice far from your home.” Jill was told the change would be made. You go, Jill!
-Dave

03.04.05

Hi, All.

Happy Friday! Happy March!

Vote Today, Vote Often
If you haven’t yet voted for RMAD as best non-profit and Matt and Barb Bear as best activist, please visit www.coloradodaily.com/best_of_boulder/. The site makes it clear that a person can cast one ballot per day. So… please do! I believe animal advocates have won best activist in each of the past 3 years. Let’s keep the streak alive!

Updates
The wildlife crossing bill persists in the Colorado statehouse. We are seeking to amend it from its blanket coverage of all wildlife crossing zones to instead specifically cover 12 key areas in the state, as identified by the Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project (see www.restoretherockies.org). In so modifying the bill, we believe it will be more acceptable to rural legislators, who have expressed concern that the original legislation is overly broad in its application. The bad news: Both the Farm Bureau and the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association came out in opposition to the (original) bill this week. The good news: It appears that the senate sponsor, Brandon Shaffer, is having some success getting support from insurance industry lobbyists.

The Foothills Community Park (Boulder) situation persists. RMAD is working with The Wild Places to promote a plan to manage the prairie dogs in a non-lethal fashion. We have twice met with members of the North Boulder community in the past two weeks, and we again spoke up on the issue at this week’s Boulder City Council meeting. I had a good telephone exchange with City Manager Frank Bruno yesterday. Still, city open space staff used the “poison” word at a Thursday meeting on the future of the city’s prairie dog management plans. We remain hopeful that the city will do the right thing. As always, our vigilance will be a factor.

We received a Summerlee grant of $10,000 this week to relocate the prairie dogs at the Classic Homes site in Colorado Springs. Preliminary word is that Deb Jones of Prairie Dog Action is optimistic about finding a release site.

If you haven’t yet signed the petition to help Westminster’s prairie dogs, please visit www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/397862963.

With the recent discussion of whether to support various nonprofits, I guess it’s a pleasant coincidence (and perhaps no surprise) that the Boulder Creek Festival approached RMAD this week seeking our input on the appropriateness of a nonprofit displaying llamas at the event. We were successful in urging the BCF to stick by its stated position against the display of exotic animals.

Along those same lines, I spoke today with Denise Kelly of the Avian Welfare Coalition (www.avianwelfare.org) regarding RMAD’s recent joining of the group. Denise is involved with The Association of Sanctuaries (www.taosanctuaries.org), and she gave me the heads-up that TAOS will hold its annual meeting in Denver on September 22-24. Should be a great event, even for those not directly affiliated with sanctuary work.

I also spoke with a woman who recently moved to Trinidad. She will write a monthly column on animal issues for the local paper. She is looking to RMAD for fodder for her writing. Good stuff.

RMAD’s Mark Reinhardt spoke at a Peaceable Kingdom screening at the University of Denver this week. I’ve not yet heard from Mark on this, so I can’t say much about it other than I’m sure Mark charmed the crowd, as is his wont.

In addition to the above work, the RMAD staff responded to four inquiries on prairie wildlife, two inquiries on companion animals, and three general inquiries.

One Person Making a Difference
Special note of thanks to Brandon Owens for tending to our database needs this week. Brandon provides his normally high-dollar services to RMAD at no cost.

-Dave

PS To view the archived RMAD Week in Review, visit http://rmadblog.blogspot.com/