From Deseret News archives:
Funds for wildlife refuges are drying up
Group says budget cuts have put sites 'in peril'
"Restoring America's Wildlife Legacy 2007," a report issued Wednesday by a coalition of advocacy groups called Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE), says Congress provided modest funding increases from 1998 until 2003. But later, "subsequent budget cuts have put the refuge system in peril."
Among a host of groups in CARE are the American Birding Association, American Fisheries Society, Defenders of Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited Inc., National Audubon Society, National Rifle Association, the Wilderness Society and Trout Unlimited.
"Years of inadequately funding our nation's wildlife refuges have put the viability of the refuge system at risk," said Maribeth Oakes of the Wilderness Society.
CARE recommends that $765 million in operation and maintenance funding be appropriated "to adequately address the fiscal crisis facing the National Wildlife Refuge System."
It says the present year's budget is half that much. Just to keep pace with increasing expenses, the budget needs a $15 million boost, it adds.
"The operational budget hasn't kept pace with increases" in rising salaries and operating costs, he said. Congress ordered raises for federal employees but then kept the F&WS operating budget flat. As a result, fewer positions can be filled.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has been saying that it needs about $15 million more per year in additional operating funds.
Each of the agency's regions has studied its work force to see which staff positions won't be filled should a person retire or move to another job. The purpose, he said, is "to take these dollars and move them to the field. ...
"That's just to continue to provide the wildlife habitat we need" and to carry out other responsibilities of the refuge system.
Dean Rundle, F&WS program supervisor for refuges in Utah, Montana and Wyoming, based in Lakewood, Colo., said that in the eight states of Region 6, the agency has not filled about 43 permanent positions.
These posts were not filled in Utah when they became vacant:
Comments
- Sports on the air 1:21 a.m.
- 2009 MLS Cup recap 12:45 a.m.
- MLS Cup winners, MVPs 12:41 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake: Game at a glance 12:36 a.m.
- Paper circulation worse than it looks 12:28 a.m.
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks 12:22 a.m.
- Editorial: Cancer screening 12:15 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:15 a.m.
- Treat teachers with respect, trust 12:15 a.m.
- 'Reform' helps old, hurts young 12:15 a.m.
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25
- Man dies after being run over
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
202 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
192 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
135 - BYU records with win
129 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
126 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
101 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
REAL SALT LAKE!! WHat better example for our boys to copy and follow. Why...
great article as usual BRAD I posted now on recent shocking sports champs,...
The only QB experiencing melt down in LES on Saturday will be winless! Max...
would like to see a match up between Boise State plus TCU against the best...
Too many subplots in this story You can write a movie about Andy Williams...
So, the burden of proof falls upon me, but no warm fuzzies? The burden...
First, I really wish all of the folks opposed to environmental considerations...
incoming taxation galore?
My time is short, back to celebrate with rest of RSL fanatics I go. My heart...
I'm saving this article, it is so well stated.


You can be the first to comment on this story.