Posted on 01/04/2009 5:15:13 PM PST by CedarDave
A new report has concluded that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) former boss, Julie A. MacDonald interfered in scores of Endangered Species Act decisions — including one related to the Gunnison's prairie dog found in parts of northern New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah.
During her tenure, FWS reversed a finding by its scientists that the species may warrant protection.
Last month's report by the Interior Department's inspector general raises questions about whether MacDonald single-handedly doomed the prairie dog's endangered status or if other people were involved.
Either way, what's clear from the report is that MacDonald repeatedly stepped in to limit protections for the prairie dog and other imperiled species.
"MacDonald's zeal to advance her agenda has caused considerable harm to the integrity of the (Endangered Species Act) program and to the morale and reputation of the (Service), as well as potential harm to the individual species," inspector general Earl Devaney wrote.
"Her heavy-handedness has cast doubt on nearly every (endangered species) decision issued during her tenure," writes Davaney, calling MacDonald abrupt, abrasive and even abusive.
Long-time critics of the Bush administration view the report as the final judgment on eight years of manipulating science to meet political goals.
MacDonald, then-deputy assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks, resigned in May 2007 ...
Service spokesman Joshua Winchell said Friday he had no comment on the latest report. However, officials have previously said that FWS is committed to revisiting decisions in which MacDonald may have had a hand.
That could be a tall order for the cash-strapped agency. And some environmental groups are skeptical that Colo. Sen. Ken Salazar — President-elect Barack Obama's pick for Interior Secretary — will side with them. Nine years ago, as Colo. attorney general, he opposed federal protection for another species of prairie dog.
(Excerpt) Read more at abqjournal.com ...
This article will be well received in Santa Fe where prairie dogs have been blessed by monks and fed by volunteers among other things. It is a city ordinance requires that prairie dog colonies be humanely moved prior to construction or development. When I lived there, the Jackalope Pottery shop on Cerrillos Road had a colony there that were as pampered as household cats and just as fat. The other side of the coin is they are afflicted with fleas which carry plague and which can both wipe out whole colonies and be picked up by cats and dogs and transmitted to humans. NM has plague control specialists in the state health department who routinely dust colony entrance holes with pesticide.
They’re lousy vermin! Up here, they’d be target practice. ;)
OTOH, she was the calming force that held back flawed reports from becoming policy.
I hate prairie dogs. Their holes break horses’ legs.
When I saw the title - Protection Needs of Rodents Falsified (Activists claim Fed official denied protection)- and saw it was from the Albuquerque Journal, I thought it was an article on Bill Richardson.
I think U.S. citizens would fair better if they lobbied to be put on the Endangered Species list.
LOL!
I hate to say it, but it might be the only way to guarantee our protection.
Wimmen folk preparing the game should wash the critters to remove stray hairs and offal.
To prepare for the pan, pat dry and dredge in flour, salt, and pepper. Brown in a frypan 1/3 full of melted lard. When browned, remove to a dutch oven with a mixture of carrots, celery, and onion (onion being 2 parts to 1).
Season with thyme, garlic and as much pepper and salt as is required.
If the gravy be thin, thicken with a roux of flour and oil. Avoid a faux roux of flour and water... it is a Bad Thing(tm).
Serve the dead critter with biscuits and gravy.
If they go extinct, find something else to cook.
/johnny
They are unbelievably cute and certainly not endangered around Stanley NM (May be a different specie of prairie dog). I can watch them for hours.
It is true that they carry plague and their holes are dangerous to horses.
They are unbelievably cute and certainly not endangered around Stanley NM (May be a different specie of prairie dog). I can watch them for hours.
It is true that they carry plague and their holes are dangerous to horses.
Be nice to hanta virus tew.
Come spring I have to clean out my garage at my mountain house which has deer mice nests. I am already prepared with hazmat clothing and air purifying respirator. And the day before I will spray with a 10% Chlorox solution. Can’t do anything about them coming in as the garage is not insulated. However, I baited the entire area last fall so I’m sure to have dead ones.
Some years ago I lived in a fairly primitive house near Silver City and mice ran at will through it. There was no escaping contact with them. I used a Clorox spray to clean up their droppings and spray their bodies and my rubber gloves before tossing them out. But it was a hopeless situation and I just quit worrying about it.
A local told me there had never been a case of hanta virus down there in SW NM. Anecdotes aren't very reassuring though. Those were deer mice too but that was before I read that article. It might be worth looking into. If it is true and you do indeed have deer mice and not field mice it could save you a lot of work and concern.
I will check with the Bernalillo County health department, but to be on safe side I’m sure they will suggest that I proceed as described.
They probably would. I wouldn’t blame you for taking precautions even if they didn’t. Hanta is pretty scary.
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