Duncan D. Hunter: If Only ‘We Could Override The Endangered Species Act’ (CA & San Diego Links)
CA’s State Parks Generate $4.3 Billion Annually Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to close 80% of California’s state parks to address the state’s $24 billion budget deficit—even though park visitors pump $4.32 billion into the economy each year. In Grave Danger, Flat-Tailed Horned Lizard Gets a Reprieve The rare reptile may have one last chance, thanks to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. CA to Cut Water Usage to Save Fish Californians’ thirst for water has pushed salmon and other fish to the brink of extinction, a federal agency has ruled. CA Rep. Duncan D. Hunter Weighs in on the Water Ruling In a recent interview, Hunter dropped this gem: “If there’s some way that we could override the Endangered Species Act for things like the smelt fish and allow water to flow again down to Southern California that would be huge.” CA’s Climate Change Plan Will Boost Economy The floundering state’s plan is a watershed moment in history—but there’s still room to improve. Hatchery Fish May Hurt Efforts To Sustain Wild Salmon Runs Steelhead trout that are originally bred in hatcheries are too genetically impaired to expand populations in the wild. 40 Environmental Groups Back Frye for Coastal Panel More than 40 environmental groups in California lobbied Thursday for San Diego City Councilwoman Donna Frye to take over a position representing the region on the state Coastal Commission. Chaparral Institute Sues San Diego County Over Tree Removal Plan The wildlands advocacy group announced a lawsuit yesterday, alleging that the county failed to adequately analyze the environmental damage of removing trees and shrubs in the backcountry to reduce wildfire risks. EPA to Begin Unprecedented Coastal DDT Cleanup in 2011 The proposal includes placing a cap of silt and sand over one of the most hazardous places in the country—and mark the first time a Superfund site has used this method. California’s Thorny History of Cactus Theft In the early 1900s, gardeners took a shine to the prickly plants, and ‘cactus rustling’ was born.
Caffeine Withdrawal Headache Explained: Your Brain On—And Off—Caffeine (Links)
California Fires Sparked by Power Tool In an ironic twist, the wildfire that scorched 13 square miles and destroyed dozens of homes was apparently sparked by a power tool used to clear flammable vegetation. Yosemite National Park to Revisit Tribal Ties The park will review visitor information and archives to make sure that its American Indian history is accurately reflected. Did Hoagie Start the Fight With Mountain Lion? The dog’s owner says it defended him from a cougar’s attack and got mauled for his heroism, but wildlife specialists say it’s more likely that Hoagie attacked the lion first. Florida Bay Proposals Would Restrict Boating Everglades National Park officials say powerboats have damaged seagrass that supports animal life. (more…)
1/3 of U.S. Bird Species Threatened or Declining
One-third of the 800 bird species in the United States are either endangered, threatened, or in significant decline, according to a report from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
The report, compiled by scientists within the government and from universities, found that bird populations in forests, grasslands, and arid areas have declined by as much as 40 percent in the past 40 years. At the same time, wetland bird populations have increased, as have populations of bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and other raptors whose eggs are no longer being damaged by the use of the insecticide, DDT. The report said the state with the most threatened bird populations is Hawaii, where 71 bird species have gone extinct and 31 are listed as threatened or endangered.
[Yale.edu]
