Lance
04-09-2003, 07:42 PM
Subject: Chequamegon-Nicolet Proposal Threatens Wisconsin's Hunting Heritage
RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY MEDIA RELEASE:
NATIONAL FOREST PROPOSAL THREATENS WISCONSIN'S HUNTING HERITAGE
For Immediate Release: Contact: Gary Zimmer
April 9th, 2003 715-674-7505
rgszimm@newnorth.net
The recently released plan for habitat management on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will mean fewer ruffed grouse, woodcock, snowshoe hare, and less hunting opportunity on public lands in Wisconsin. In addition, numerous species of nongame wildlife, including the dangerously imperiled golden-winged warbler will suffer if the proposed plan is put into effect.
According to Bob Patterson, Executive Director of the Ruffed Grouse Society, "The US Forest Service needs to pay far less attention to environmental extremists and pay more attention to protecting the health of our nation's forests and our traditions of sport hunting, traditions that are the very foundation of wildlife conservation in America."
At issue is the proposal by the US Forest Service to severely limit aspen habitat management on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The Forest accounts for 30% of the public forestland in Wisconsin. Approximately 40% of Wisconsin sportsmen hunt either exclusively or in part on public lands. Forest Service data show that hunting is the number one recreational activity on many National Forests and is becoming increasingly popular as more and more private lands are closed to public access.
Survey data from the US Fish & Wildlife Service document that as game populations rise and fall, so too do hunter numbers. Populations of rabbits, grouse, and quail have declined significantly throughout much of the US and the number of hunters that pursue these species have followed suit. Since 1986, the number of sportsmen and women who hunt rabbits has declined by 67%, grouse 54%, and quail 69%. Conversely, the number of hunters that target the wild turkey has increased by 29% since 1985, a direct result of increasing populations of wild turkeys nationwide.
"The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has regrettably demonstrated little interest in working with dedicated conservationists to secure the future of hunting and wildlife conservation in the US" says Patterson. "This Forest's proposal is especially disappointing given that just last week, 82% of Wisconsin voters supported a constitutional amendment to protect sportsmen's rights to hunt, fish, and trap."
Sportsmen are encouraged to contact the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and voice their support for aspen and wildlife habitat management by calling 715-762-2461, or by e-mail (chequamegonnicolet@fs.fed.us).
RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY MEDIA RELEASE:
NATIONAL FOREST PROPOSAL THREATENS WISCONSIN'S HUNTING HERITAGE
For Immediate Release: Contact: Gary Zimmer
April 9th, 2003 715-674-7505
rgszimm@newnorth.net
The recently released plan for habitat management on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will mean fewer ruffed grouse, woodcock, snowshoe hare, and less hunting opportunity on public lands in Wisconsin. In addition, numerous species of nongame wildlife, including the dangerously imperiled golden-winged warbler will suffer if the proposed plan is put into effect.
According to Bob Patterson, Executive Director of the Ruffed Grouse Society, "The US Forest Service needs to pay far less attention to environmental extremists and pay more attention to protecting the health of our nation's forests and our traditions of sport hunting, traditions that are the very foundation of wildlife conservation in America."
At issue is the proposal by the US Forest Service to severely limit aspen habitat management on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The Forest accounts for 30% of the public forestland in Wisconsin. Approximately 40% of Wisconsin sportsmen hunt either exclusively or in part on public lands. Forest Service data show that hunting is the number one recreational activity on many National Forests and is becoming increasingly popular as more and more private lands are closed to public access.
Survey data from the US Fish & Wildlife Service document that as game populations rise and fall, so too do hunter numbers. Populations of rabbits, grouse, and quail have declined significantly throughout much of the US and the number of hunters that pursue these species have followed suit. Since 1986, the number of sportsmen and women who hunt rabbits has declined by 67%, grouse 54%, and quail 69%. Conversely, the number of hunters that target the wild turkey has increased by 29% since 1985, a direct result of increasing populations of wild turkeys nationwide.
"The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has regrettably demonstrated little interest in working with dedicated conservationists to secure the future of hunting and wildlife conservation in the US" says Patterson. "This Forest's proposal is especially disappointing given that just last week, 82% of Wisconsin voters supported a constitutional amendment to protect sportsmen's rights to hunt, fish, and trap."
Sportsmen are encouraged to contact the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and voice their support for aspen and wildlife habitat management by calling 715-762-2461, or by e-mail (chequamegonnicolet@fs.fed.us).