Republicans are making a lot of news in Washington — not much of it appreciated by conservationists, including groups such as Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and the Izaak Walton League, among many more.
They warn that if deep reductions in budgets for conservation programs and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service come to pass, the nation's natural heritage will be at stake.
Now comes concern that a proposed 21 percent slicing of the Fish and Wildlife Service's budget, and 8 percent reduction of the service's national refuge budget, would close as many as 140 U.S. fish and wildlife refuges, and lay off some 300 refuge staff nationwide.
"Despite the extraordinary economic, ecological and public benefits that come from conservation funding, the House has chosen to slash an already meager Refuge System and natural resources budget," said Evan Hirsche, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. "By doing so, Congress threatens America's clean air and water and safe places families depend on for recreation and renewal."
Hirsche said the refuge system needs $900 million a year to operate, while the House plan would fund only $455 million.
At that funding rate, Hirsche said, about 140 refuges would have to close.
Conservationists also are up in arms about the slashing of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) by 80 percent, which the same House proposal would accomplish.
"The LWCF is one of the strongest tools a land manager has to protect key habitats and promote good will in communities," said Hirsche. "Drastic cuts to LWCF not only hurts wildlife, but also hard working farmers and ranchers who seek conservation easements that help protect wildlife habitat while also allowing them to stay on the land and keep family business intact."
