9.8.06

September 8, 2006
Howdy, Folks.

The last two weeks have been hectic and emotional, to say the least. On August 29, after Keep Boulder Wild’s long and arduous challenge, the Boulder City Council voted unanimously to approve the Urban Wildlife Management Plan, which will likely result in the deaths of many prairie dogs.

The first colonies to be killed will be on the ball fields at Tom Watson Park. However, it appeared that Keep Boulder Wild activists (including RMAD, The Prairie Dog Coalition, Sierra Club, and HSUS) were successful in communicating the failure of the city to maintain non-lethal control measures such as barriers and fences, and that the city should continue to work with advocates in finding ethical solutions.

We’ve been told that “passive” (non-lethal) relocation efforts will be pursued for some of the other colonies. We’ll be sure to let you know how you can help. We will continue to look for any last-minute opportunities to halt the killing, and we will respond if and when the killing starts.

A proposal to allow Colorado hunters to possess raccoons for the live training of dogs brought animal advocates out in force. A PETA phone alert directed hundreds of callers to RMAD on Wednesday. While our small staff was a little overwhelmed, it was fantastic to see such a passionate uproar that, ultimately, forced the petitioner to pull the proposal. Thanks to each and every person who called the Division of Wildlife!

RMAD has been in high demand by the media, having recently spoken to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Denver Post, and Channel 9 News. A recent article can be seen here, in which RMAD Executive Director Dave Crawford discusses the recently approved weapon of mass wildlife destruction, the Rodenator. (We’ll be working on that, so stay tuned.)

RMAD’s Bi-Monthly Meetings have commenced. We met Thursday evening to discuss changes (all good ones!) in the RMAD organization, as well as upcoming and ongoing projects and events. This is a great chance for you to get involved and have a say, so please watch out for the next one in two months.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, please email contact us!

Thanks for reading. Have a safe and peaceful weekend.
- Chris