9.22.06

Friday, September 22, 2006

Happy Autumn, Everyone.It was a long, hot summer, wasn’t it? Perhaps the coldest building I visited this summer was the Boulder City Council Chambers... That room may have provided a reprieve from the heat, but it didn’t provide a reprieve from killing for Boulder’s prairie dogs.

As we speak, removal “specialists” are working to tear prairie dogs from their homes in and around Tom Watson park. Keep Boulder Wild fought long and vigorously to save these animals – and is still active in working protecting our priceless prairie wildlife – and while both science and compassion are on our side, the city concluded that lethal control would be a tool in their arsenal.We mourn for these animals as they are trapped and fed to ferrets.In some situations, the City of Boulder is utilizing “passive” relocation methods in which prairie dogs are politely urged to move on, thereby preventing needless and cruel killing of our native wildlife. This project is crucial not only in immediately sparing lives, but in showing these effective methods can be favored over killing.

Pam Wanek of Prairie Preserves LLC is leading this effort and is looking for 4-5 volunteers. Please see Volunteer Opportunities below if you’d like to help. This is a great hands-on opportunity to make a huge difference!

Uproar over the recently approved “Rodenator” sparked the media’s interest in the issue, prompting a few more calls to RMAD. Executive Director Dave Crawford appeared on Channel 9’s report and the story was picked up by CNN for national coverage.

Dave also visited Boulder’s New Vista High School to speak on the full spectrum of animal advocacy issues. Speaking to kids can be daunting, but the Denver/Boulder area is blessed with young, motivated and open-minded youth. Dave not only taught the students a great deal but also made a few new friends for the animals.

Action alert: Oppose The "Secure Fence Act of 2006," H.R. 6061!
The "Secure Fence Act of 2006," H.R. 6061, which passed the House of Representatives on September 14th and is currently being debated in the Senate, will mandate 700 miles of double layer reinforced fencing, roads, and other associated development. If this legislation passes, all wildlands from 5 miles east of Douglas, Arizona to Calexico, California will be walled off. Landscape connectivity through this area is essential for wildlife and ecological health – the effects of walling off these remote landscape connections would have devastating impacts to our natural heritage.Speak up for our wildlife!

Visit RMAD’s Alerts Page to read more about this and to get contact information for your legislators.

Thanks for reading and for staying active. Have a great Equinox!

- Chris