[BCNnet] Fwd: Breaking News Bad For Birds

[Judy Pollock]

>BREAKING NEWS:
>CONGRESS TO VOTE ON EXEMPTIONS TO ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT!
>
>The U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives are set to vote on a
>proposal to give the Department of Defense (DOD) an exemption from portions
>of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on or near military installations in
>the United States. This proposal will have devastating effects on
>endangered, threatened and recovery bird and wildlife species. And while
>the measure is designed with one specific military base in mind, it's
>written so broadly it could affect many other military bases in the U.S.
>
>The proposal exempts DOD from following provisions of the ESA that
>prohibits them from tapping into resources (critical habitat) necessary for
>the survival of endangered and threatened species. While Audubon understand
>DOD's need to expand its bases, blanket exemption of environmental laws can
>result in irreparable harm to the environment - not to mention opening the
>door for other government agencies to seek the same relief. DOD should
>examine all other alternatives prior to seeking exemptions from our
>nation's laws.
>The specific base is Ft. Huachuca (wah-choo-kah) in Arizona, where DOD is
>looking to expand its facilities. Such development will require them to
>divert additional water from the nearby watershed - water that would
>normally flow into the San Pedro River -- a congressionally-designated
>national Riparian Conservation Area, and one of the richest biological
>reserves in all North America. The San Pedro River has been recognized as
>the first "Globally Important Bird Area", and one of the world's premiere
>birding spots. It provides habitat for more than 400 bird species, and is a
>critical stopover for nearly one-half of all migratory birds in the United
>States. As it is already being dewatered as a result of water consumption
>demands of Ft. Huachuca, further water diversions threaten the River's
>survival.
>
>While the House will indeed pass this measure as a part of its Supplemental
>Appropriations Bill on Thursday, May 23, we have a chance to defeat this in
>the Senate. But we can't do it without your help! PLEASE CONTACT YOUR TWO
>U.S. SENATORS TODAY AND URGE THEM TO OPPOSE EFFORTS TO GIVE DOD AN
>EXEMPTION FROM THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AT FORT HUACHUCA OR OTHER
>MILITARY INSTALLATION IN THE UNITED STATES. You can reach your Senators by
>calling (202) 224-3121, or click onto this link and send your free FAX to
>them today:
>http://www.capitolconnect.com/audubon/contact/default.asp?subject=53
>
>The Senate is expected to take action before Friday, so please make your
>call or send your fax as soon as possible! Thank you for your help!
> 
Judy Pollock
bobolnk@ix.netcom.com