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