Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON --(Ammoland.com)-  As the U.S. Senate debates the budget for the Army Corps of Engineers this week, prominent sportsman-conservation groups roundly criticized an amendment that would defund the administration’s work on Clean Water Act guidance that is crucial to sustaining wetlands and waterways.

Ducks Unlimited, the Izaak Walton League of America, the National Wildlife Federation, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Trout Unlimited strongly oppose the so-called Barrasso-Heller amendment, which would block the Army Corps of Engineers from taking agency action toward restoring Clean Water Act protections to streams, wetlands and other waters.

“The language in the Barrasso-Heller amendment will fundamentally diminish America’s clean water legacy,” said Jan Goldman-Carter, wetlands and water resources counsel for the National Wildlife Federation. “American sportsmen unite in urging the Senate to reject this and any measure that would block agency action to secure our clean water and wetlands ecosystems.”

Over the past decade, safeguards for headwater streams and critical wetlands have steadily eroded, impacting the ability of these ecosystems to recharge aquifers, retain floodwaters, sustain important fish and wildlife habitat and provide clean water for iconic systems such as the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes and Puget Sound. As these waters are polluted and diminished, their tremendous ecological and public health benefits likewise are lost.

“Clean water is the foundation on which enjoyable and productive hunting and angling trips are built,” said Steve Kline, director of the TRCP Center for Agricultural and Private Lands. “We can create jobs without draining wetlands and polluting streams; indeed, thanks to sportsmen, wetlands and streams are great job creators. Sitting in a duck blind or floating on a trout stream, sportsmen have the chance to appreciate first-hand just what clean water means. Now we must act as advocates for the conservation of our nation’s waters and wetlands until these irreplaceable resources are appropriately managed and conserved.”

Proposed guidance issued by the administration in April would more clearly define which U.S. waters are subject to Clean Water Act protections and begin restoring protections for many of the nation’s wetlands and waterways left vulnerable since the SWANCC (2001) and Rapanos (2006) Supreme Court decisions. The wording of the decisions left regulators, landowners and manufacturers confused about which U.S. waters are protected by the Clean Water Act.

“Supreme Court rulings and agency guidance issued over the past decade have jeopardized crucial water resources and wildlife habitat, removing protections for at least 20 million acres of wetlands, particularly prairie potholes and other wetlands essential to waterfowl,” said Scott Yaich, director of conservation operations for Ducks Unlimited. “Streams that sustain critical fisheries and feed the public drinking water systems for more than 117 million Americans are also at risk.”

“As proposed, the administration’s guidance increases clarity and efficiency for agencies, farmers and businesses while keeping Clean Water Act jurisdiction well within its historical bounds,” said Steve Moyer, vice president of government relations for Trout Unlimited. “Moreover, the guidance does not – and cannot – limit exemptions for normal activity related to agriculture, forestry and mining that have been in the act since 1977. Its importance cannot be overstated.”

The total economic contributions of hunting and angling are substantial. In 2006, hunters and anglers accounted for $95.5 billion in economic activity, including trip-related expenses and equipment costs. Wildlife watchers contributed $43.5 billion, including trip-related expenses and equipment costs. Altogether, these two groups spent approximately $139 billion in 2006 alone, breathing life into rural communities and supporting millions of jobs across the country.

“Hunting and angling annually contribute more than $95 billion in economic activity, and restoring protections for America’s waters and wetlands directly benefits citizens, fish and wildlife, and outdoor recreation,” said Scott Kovarovics, conservation director for the Izaak Walton League of America. “The amendment by Senators Barrasso and Heller threatens not only water quality and healthy habitat but the hunting and angling economy as well.”

Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing.

H.R. 2018 would undermine EPA authority to enforce Clean Water Act, diminishing water quality and harming valuable fish and wildlife habitat.

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON --(Ammoland.com)- WASHINGTON, DC – American sportsmen today strongly criticized the House Transportation Committee for hastily passing legislation that would dramatically weaken the Clean Water Act and undercut four decades of progress in restoring the nation’s waters and wetlands and conserving valuable fish and wildlife habitat.

The Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011, H.R. 2018, has received minimal review and no hearings since its introduction three weeks ago. The bill attacks two critical components of the CWA: enforcement of water quality standards and protection of waters from discharges of dredged and fill material. H.R. 2018 would increase state control over Environmental Protection Agency implementation of the CWA, including veto authority over EPA enforcement of water quality standards and over EPA authority to block projects that compromise or diminish fish and wildlife habitat.

“In the name of responsible management of our irreplaceable waters, wetlands, and fish and wildlife habitat, we urge House lawmakers to abandon their hasty approach to advancing this legislation,” said Scott Kovarovics, conservation director for the Izaak Walton League of America. “The committee should step back and hold a hearing to assess the sweeping consequences this legislation could have on water quality, streams and critical fish and wildlife habitat.”

“Sportsmen strongly oppose this misguided and damaging legislation,” said Jan Goldman-Carter, wetlands and water resources counsel for the National Wildlife Federation. “H.R. 2018 will lead to a hodgepodge of water quality standards and contribute to an overall reduction in U.S. water quality, our natural resources and outdoor opportunities such as hunting and angling.”

In April, sportsmen welcomed proposed guidance issued by the administration that would more clearly define which U.S. waters are subject to Clean Water Act protections, a move that would begin restoring long-standing protections to many of the nation’s wetlands, streams, lakes and headwaters that have remained threatened in the wake of two ambiguous Supreme Court decisions and subsequent agency guidance. Recent actions undertaken by House lawmakers since that time, however, attempt to weaken or undercut these restorative measures.

“The Clean Water Act has led to immense progress nationwide in cleaning up our waters, restoring fish habitat, protecting drinking water sources, reducing wetlands loss and developing water-based recreational economies,” said Steve Kline, director of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership’s Center for Agricultural and Private Lands. “While states play a lead role in implementing some CWA protections, the law does not function without a federal backstop that ensures its goals are met. We cannot afford to threaten our waters, which serve as economic powerhouses for innumerable communities across the country.”

Waters and wetlands in the United States sustain the activities of 40 million anglers, who spend about $45 billion annually, and 2.3 million waterfowl hunters, who spend $1.3 billion annually.

“Whether Trout Unlimited is restoring small headwater streams in the Potomac Headwaters in West Virginia, removing acidic pollution caused by abandoned mines in Colorado, or protecting the world famous salmon-producing watershed of Bristol Bay, Alaska, the CWA is the safety net on which we rely,” said Steve Moyer, vice president of government affairs for Trout Unlimited. “H.R. 2018 would cut large holes in the safety net.”

Read a letter from sportsmen to House decision makers opposing H.R. 2018.

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the tradition of hunting and fishing. Visit: www.trcp.org

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON --(Ammoland.com)- As negotiations for fiscal year 2012 budgets continue in the U.S. House of Representatives, sportsmen-conservationists are criticizing a measure that would defund the administration’s work on Clean Water Act guidance that is crucial to sustaining wetlands and waterways, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership announced today.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development met this morning to deliberate and mark up the FY 2012 budget for the Army Corps of Engineers and other water development agencies, including the measure that would strip protections for clean water and habitat.

“None of the funds made available by this Act or any subsequent Act making appropriations for Energy and Water Development may be used by the Corps of Engineers to develop, adopt, implement, administer or enforce a change or supplement to the rule … or guidance documents … pertaining to the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,” it reads.

“While sportsmen understand the need for fiscal conservatism, this rash decision by Congress leaves vulnerable waters that provide critical habitat to fish and wildlife, flood control, drinking water and a range of other benefits,” said Steve Kline, director of the TRCP Center for Agricultural and Private Lands.

“We urge House appropriators to reconsider this budgetary measure, which takes several steps backward in our efforts to restore Clean Water Act protections to the nation’s streams and wetlands.”

The TRCP and its partners welcomed proposed guidance issued by the administration in April that would more clearly define which U.S. waters are subject to Clean Water Act protections, a move that would begin restoring long-standing protections to many of the nation’s wetlands, streams, lakes and headwaters that have remained threatened in the wake of two ambiguous Supreme Court decisions and subsequent agency guidance.

“Americans support clean water, and we recognize that responsibly managing our headwaters and wetlands is essential to that goal,” said Jan Goldman-Carter, wetlands and water resources counsel for the National Wildlife Federation and co-chair of the TRCP Wetlands and Clean Water Working Group. “Conserving drinking water, protecting communities from flooding and sustaining fish and wildlife habitat and local economies are objectives of the administration’s Clean Water Act guidance, and we are deeply disappointed that Congress would undertake any actions that undermine these goals.”

“It’s ironic that this provision would bar the Corps from doing the one thing that almost everyone agrees should happen – revising its regulations to more clearly define ‘waters of the United States,’” said Scott Kovarovics, conservation director for the Izaak Walton League of America and working group member. “If this provision became law, it would lock in the status quo that threatens drinking water for 117 million Americans and the most productive duck habitat in the country.”

The TRCP and its partners on the TRCP’s Wetlands and Clean Water Working Group, including Ducks Unlimited, the Izaak Walton League of America, the National Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited, have been promoting restoration of protections for the nation’s wetlands and clean waters. Recent budget deliberations have repeatedly threatened the sportsmen’s efforts to conserve these resources.

“Hunters and anglers are strongly opposed to this policy rider, and our vigorous opposition helped defeat a similarly ill-conceived rider when the House passed the FY 11 Continuing Resolution, or HR 1, earlier this year,” said Steve Moyer, vice president of government affairs for Trout Unlimited and WCWWG co-chair.

“Sportsmen know the Clean Water Act is a vital safety net for fish and wildlife resources that is being partially repaired by the Corps-EPA guidance. The guidance is reasonable, science-based, consistent with the Clean Water Act and beneficial to fish, wildlife and the public; therefore, sportsmen will do everything in our power to stop the rider.”

The proposed Clean Water Act guidance would begin restoring protections for intermittent streams that sustain critical fisheries and feed the public drinking water systems for more than 117 million Americans and at least 20 million acres of the nation’s wetlands, particularly prairie potholes and wetlands essential to waterfowl. The guidance is available for public comment and review until July 1.

Learn more about the TRCP’s work to conserve American wetlands.

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the tradition of hunting and fishing. Visit: www.trcp.org

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON -WASHINGTON, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Some of the nation’s top sportsmen’s organizations – Ducks Unlimited, the Izaak Walton League of America, the National Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership – applaud the administration for taking an important step today to begin restoring Clean Water Act protections to streams and wetlands.

These waters provide critical habitat to fish and wildlife, flood control, drinking water and many other benefits.

The proposed guidance issued by the administration would more clearly define which U.S. waters are subject to Clean Water Act protections.

This would begin restoring longstanding protections for many of the nation’s wetlands, streams, lakes and headwaters that have been vulnerable to pollution and destruction since the SWANCC (2001) and Rapanos (2006) Supreme Court decisions. Issuing agency guidance – instructions to staff in the field about how to interpret laws or court decisions – is a well-established practice used by every administration. To ensure transparency and diverse stakeholder participation in the process, the proposed Clean Water Act guidance will be available for public comment and review for 60 days.

Decisions in the two Supreme Court cases and agency guidance issued in 2003 and 2008 jeopardize crucial water resources and wildlife habitat. Taken together, they removed protections for at least 20 million acres of wetlands, particularly prairie potholes and other seasonal wetlands essential to waterfowl populations throughout the country. Intermittent streams that provide critical habitat for fish, especially trout, and feed into the public drinking water systems for more than 117 million Americans also are at risk.

“The importance of this guidance cannot be overstated,” said Steve Moyer, vice president of government relations for Trout Unlimited. “Restoring these lost protections means more habitat in the long run for all the fish and wildlife that sportsmen love to pursue.”

Restoring protections for these waters directly benefits the American people, fish and wildlife, and outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing and boating. The economic benefits to the United States from these wetlands and streams are staggering. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that wildlife-dependent recreation in the United States generates $80 billion in hunting and fishing expenditures annually.

The wording of the two Supreme Court decisions left state and federal regulators, landowners and manufacturers confused about which U.S. waters are protected by the Clean Water Act.

“This confusion led to lost protections for some of our nation’s most important waters, which could have significant consequences for wetland conservation, particularly in areas important for breeding and migratory waterfowl,” said Scott Yaich, director of conservation operations for Ducks Unlimited. “Clear guidance could go a long way toward restoring wetland protections important to our nation’s waterfowl and waterfowl hunters.”

“We are pleased the administration has taken this crucial first step to provide clarity to landowners, conservationists and businesses regarding waters of the United States,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “This action has been taken with no expansion of federal reach but simply restoring protections Congress originally put in place. This not only will conserve healthy habitat and water quality; it also will safeguard and support the sporting traditions that tens of millions of Americans enjoy.”

The proposed guidance takes a moderate approach that falls within the limits of the Supreme Court decisions. For example, it generally excludes roadside ditches, gullies or small washes from coverage under the Clean Water Act and does not apply to ponds and other ornamental bodies of water constructed by excavating dry land. Moreover, the proposed guidance does not affect any of the existing exemptions in the Clean Water Act for a wide range of farming and forestry activities, including plowing, cultivating and seeding and the construction and maintenance of stock ponds and logging roads.

“The administration’s proposal is balanced and reasonable,” said Scott Kovarovics, conservation director for the Izaak Walton League of America. “It restores traditional Clean Water Act protections to streams and wetlands while clearly retaining exemptions from the Act for farming, ranching and logging.”

“This guidance reflects a more faithful reading of Justice Kennedy’s pivotal ‘significant nexus’ test for jurisdiction and places clean water programs on more solid legal and scientific footing,” said Jan Goldman-Carter, wetlands and water resources counsel for the National Wildlife Federation. “There is also widespread agreement that a rulemaking is needed to further clarify and restore protections that existed prior to the SWANCC decision for our nation’s wetlands, streams and other waters. This guidance is very encouraging, and we now look forward to a solid rule further clarifying and reinforcing these protections.”

• Learn more about the guidance released today.
• Read more on the EPA website.

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Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- As part of its comprehensive water conservation plan, the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship is offering rain barrels at a discounted price to residents of Delaware.

Having a rain barrel provides an innovative way to capture rainwater from your roof and store it for later use. Water collected from rain barrels can be used to wash cars and to water lawns, gardens and indoor plants.

“Without a rain barrel, this water would run off your roof and become stormwater, picking up pollutants on its way to a storm drain, stream, lake, bay or ocean,” said Environmental Scientist Sharon Webb of the Division’s Nonpoint Source Program. “By using a rain barrel, you can lower your water bill, conserve well water in the dry season and reduce polluted stormwater runoff.”

Regular retail price for these heavy duty plastic barrels is $119. However, by purchasing the barrels at a quantity discount, the Nonpoint Source Program can offer them for $66 each.

The terra cotta-colored barrels are made from recycled food grade barrels that originally entered the United States filled with olives and pickles. Thoroughly scrubbed, the barrels may have some small scrapes and scratches from their travels. The barrels are fitted with a screw-on perforated top with an inside mesh screen to help keep out debris, bugs, pets and children, plus a spigot and an overflow hose fitting to allow water to be diverted into a second barrel.

A limited number of barrels are available and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please call 302-739-9922 or email sharon.webb@state.de.us. To check on availability during distribution please call 302-739-9922. Payment must be made by check or money order made out to “State of Delaware.”

For New Castle County residents barrels will be available for pick up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at the New Castle County District office Maintenance Yard, 2430 Old County Road, Newark (signs will be posted). For directions to the facility, please visit http://newcastleconservationdistrict.org/ and click on directions at bottom of page.

For Kent County residents, barrels will be available for pick up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 at Polytech High School, 823 Walnut Shade Road, Woodside (signs will be posted). For directions, please visit http://local.yahoo.com/info-12366682-polytech-high-school-woodside.

For Sussex County residents, barrels will be available for pick up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 16 at the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship, Lewes Facility, off Pilottown Road, Lewes. For directions, please visit www.swc.dnrec.delaware.gov/Shoreline/Pages/LewesFieldFacility.aspx.

Barrels will fit in the backseat of most cars and not in the trunk so you may want to bring a tarp or blanket to protect the seat.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) and the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) announced today the release of the 2011 grant application package for Michigan’s Volunteer River, Stream, and Creek Cleanup Program (VRSCCP).

A total of $25,000 is available under the program for fiscal year 2011, with funding provided by the DNRE through fees collected from the sale of the state’s water quality protection license plates.  The application deadline for the Volunteer River, Stream, and Creek Cleanup Program is 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011.

The Michigan VRSCCP provides small grants to local units of government to help clean up and improve Michigan’s rivers, streams, and creeks.  Local units of government may partner with nonprofit organizations or other volunteer groups to carry out the cleanups.  There is a minimum local match requirement of 25 percent of the total project costs.

The Grant Application Package is available at www.glc.org/streamclean/app11. Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the DNRE and the GLC staff, with final decisions anticipated by late April 2011.

Questions regarding the grant application package can be directed to Laura Kaminski at the GLC by calling 734-971-9135 or emailing laurak@glc.org.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnre.



Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON, DC –-(AmmoLand.com)- As hunting seasons across the country begin to open, clean water is again on the forefront of sportsmen’s minds. An investigation into the effectiveness of the Clean Water Act by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee attracted praise from sportsmen’s groups including Ducks Unlimited, the Izaak Walton League of America, the National Wildlife Federation, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Trout Unlimited.

More than 20 million acres of wetlands and thousands of miles of streams are at risk for pollution and destruction because the Clean Water Act may no longer protect them.

“Clean water is the biggest issue for sportsmen, especially in this time of year when waterfowl and other game seasons are opening,” said Dr. Scott Yaich, director of conservation programs for Ducks Unlimited. “With more than 20 million acres of wetlands at risk, not having clean water is a threat for waterfowlers gearing up for the season.”

Clean Water Act protections were severely weakened in the wake of two Supreme Court cases that radically scaled back the types of waters covered by the law. These decisions directly threaten public health. For example, streams that do not flow year-round are especially at risk of losing protection. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 117 million Americans receive their drinking water from public systems supplied by these streams.

“The streams that fish, waterfowl and wildlife use are the also the streams that feed our drinking water,” said Scott Kovarovics, conservation director for the Izaak Walton League of America. “This issue is bigger than sportsmen, and it affects everyone that wants clean, safe drinking water.”

A Senate bill to address these issues passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in June. Chairman Oberstar is expected to introduce similar legislation to restore protections to wetlands and streams. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and the heads of four other federal departments and agencies called on Congress in May to enact a legislative solution.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Oberstar to identify a practical solution to protecting water sources,” said Jan Goldman Carter, wetlands and water resources counsel for the National Wildlife Federation.

“Hunters and anglers know first-hand the importance of wetlands, lakes and streams,” said Geoff Mullins, TRCP policy initiative manager. “Restoring these clean water protections will ensure that sportsmen can enjoy these resources for generations.”

Steve Moyer, vice president of government affairs and volunteer relations for Trout Unlimited, added, “This is a common-sense issue that brings together people from various backgrounds – farmers, water professionals, sportsmen, and environmentalists. The time to restore protections to our nation’s water is now.”

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions
of hunting and fishing.

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON, DC – -(AmmoLand.com)- Sportsmen today voiced their support of a closely contested U.S. House of Representatives vote aimed at combating global climate change that includes funding for federal and state management practices that would sustain fish and wildlife populations.

The American Clean Energy and Security bill is intended to limit the effects of climate change by imposing a cap on greenhouse gas emissions while investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The bill also creates the Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Fund, which helps federal and state agencies safeguard fish and wildlife and charges the U.S. Department of Agriculture with implementing agriculture and forestry carbon offset projects, including conservation programs.

Members of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Climate Change Working Group, comprised of representatives of leading sportsmen’s and conservation groups, praised the inclusion in the bill of funding for fish and wildlife adaptation strategies, which would minimize the effects of climate change on important fish and game species. At the same time, the sportsmen emphasized that additional funds must be designated and incentives set to sustain and expand habitat on farms, ranches and forest lands.

“American sportsmen have a critical reason for supporting this legislation,” said Steve Williams, president of the Wildlife Management Institute and co-chair of the TRCP working group. “The bill’s establishment of the Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Fund would help safeguard and restore fish and wildlife, habitats, ecosystems and ecological processes that are threatened by climate change. We look forward to making sure that, as this process moves forward, a dedicated funding source for fish and wildlife continues to be part of it.”

“Sportsmen support the House passage of this important legislation and appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture being given oversight of agriculture and forestry carbon dioxide offset projects, including conservation programs,” said Dave Nomsen, vice president of government affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and working group co-chair. “Our nation must build upon gains in soil, water and wildlife conservation and strengthen programs that provide carbon sequestration and habitat enhancement. America’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners have the potential to make great contributions to solving the climate issue, and the USDA should take charge of delivering these climate-based programs to private landowners.”

The AFL-CIO, 21 of whose unions are partners of the TRCP, also voiced its approval of strategies to address climate change as presented in the legislation.

“The AFL-CIO supports climate change legislation that will create new economic opportunities and preserve existing jobs while achieving the important objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our dependence on foreign energy,” the group stated yesterday in a letter to House members. “The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, though not perfect, represents an important first step toward achieving these goals.”

“This legislation lays a potentially strong and broad foundation for natural resources adaptation programs,” said TRCP President and CEO George Cooper, “and it should help assure not only the abundance and vitality of our fish and wildlife resources but also a continued high quality of life for sportsmen and all Americans – a quality that is furnished by healthy, functioning ecosystems.

“American sportsmen, who have a uniquely intimate connection to our natural resources, are sentinels raising an alarm on climate change,” concluded Cooper. “We understand the need to designate resources to fish and wildlife professionals to safeguard critters and their habitat – and we appreciate that voluntary incentives must be established for private landowners to keep and expand high-quality habitat on their private working lands. We stand ready to support forthcoming Congressional efforts to achieve these objectives, and we offer our assistance in formulating a plan that identifies conservation practices to attain these important goals.”

Accelerating climate change is acknowledged by the sportsmen’s community as a serious threat to America’s hunting and fishing opportunities. Eight of the TRCP’s partner groups recently released “Season’s End,” a report detailing the predicted impacts of climate change on fish and game and its implications on hunting and fishing. A sequel is scheduled for release in 2009.

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions
of hunting and fishing.

Ducks Unlimited

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted 12 to 7 today to advance an amended Clean Water Restoration Act to the full Senate. Ducks Unlimited says this is a positive move to protect wetlands for waterfowl and clean water for America.

“This is a huge step toward restoring the Clean Water Act’s safety net for prairie potholes and well over 20 million acres of wetlands throughout the U.S. that provide critical habitat for waterfowl and other fish and wildlife – and waterfowl hunters,” said Don Young, executive vice president of Ducks Unlimited.

Sens. Max Baucus (D-MT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) clarified through an amendment to the original Feingold bill that broad, existing Clean Water Act exemptions for agriculture and forestry were to be retained. DU supported the continuation of the agricultural and forestry exemptions, including the additional exemptions for prior converted cropland and manmade waste treatment systems. The National Farmers Union also expressed support for the compromise amendment, lending agriculture’s support for the bill.

“The amendment accepted by the committee improves the bill and represents a positive compromise, and we thank Sens. Baucus, Klobuchar and Boxer for their efforts,” Young said. “We will now be supporting the bill as it moves to the full Senate and the House of Representatives to ensure our wetlands are protected.”

The Clean Water Restoration Act is supported by DU and other conservation and sportsmen’s groups. Under the amended bill, Clean Water Act protections will be restored to geographically isolated wetlands at risk of pollution and destruction under current guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers.

The guidance on interpreting the Clean Water Act from the EPA and Army Corps came in response to two Supreme Court cases. Since the guidance was released, confusion over permitting requirements among farmers, ranchers, developers and other landowners and managers has increased dramatically as agencies have struggled to apply the guidance to proposed projects. Under the amended Clean Water Restoration Act, the guiding language would be restored to the way it was in 2001, which would reduce confusion over jurisdiction and the time to receive permits for altering wetlands, streams and other waters.

To learn more about DU and the Clean Water Restoration Act, see www.ducks.org/cleanwater.

About:
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands − nature’s most productive ecosystem − and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres important to waterfowl each year

Sportsmens Groups Laud the Senate Advancement of the Clean Water Restoration Act

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

Washington, DC – -(AmmoLand.com)- In a clear vote to protect clean water and essential habitat for fish and wildlife, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today passed an amended version of the Clean Water Restoration Act. The bill as approved reaffirms the original intent of the Clean Water Act to broadly protect water quality and the streams, lakes and wetlands important to our country. The vote today creates momentum for legislation to be introduced and quickly considered in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“America’s waters are closer to again having the comprehensive Clean Water Act protections that Congress intended,” said Jan Goldman-Carter, Wetland and Water Resources Counsel at the National Wildlife Federation. “This bill restores critical protections for our nation’s increasingly-precious fresh water resources while respecting private property rights and continuing longstanding Clean Water Act exemptions for agriculture and forestry.”

“This is a huge step toward restoring the Clean Water Act’s safety net for prairie potholes and well over 20 million acres of wetlands throughout the U.S. that provide critical habitat for waterfowl and other fish and wildlife – and hunters and anglers,” said Scott Yaich, Director of Conservation Programs for Ducks Unlimited.”

By a vote of 12 to 7, the Committee approved a substitute amendment offered by Senators Max Baucus (MT), Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Chairman Barbara Boxer (CA) that:

Adopts a statutory definition of “waters of the United States” based on the long-standing definition in EPA and Army Corps regulations. In addition, the amendment specifically excludes prior converted cropland and manmade waste treatment systems from the definition – again mirroring exclusions in agency regulations.

Deletes the term “navigable” from the Clean Water Act to clarify that Congress’ primary concern in 1972 was to protect waters from pollution rather than just sustain navigation.

Includes a set of findings that clearly explain the Constitutional authority Congress has over a broad array of waters and wetlands.

Preserves existing exemptions from the Clean Water Act for farming, ranching, mining, energy development and forestry activities.

A series of amendments to gut the definition of ‘waters of the United States’, including removing protections for streams and prairie potholes, were defeated.

“Hunters and anglers know first-hand the importance of wetlands, lakes and streams,” said Geoff Mullins, Policy Initiative Manager at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Restoring these clean water protections will ensure that sportsmen can enjoy these resources for generations. Today’s committee vote represents the biggest step yet towards restoring these much needed protections in the past eight years.”

“Today’s vote is a major step toward restoring traditional Clean Water Act protections for streams, lakes and wetlands in our communities,” said Scott Kovarovics, Conservation Director at the Izaak Walton League of America. “There’s clear momentum now for legislation to be introduced and considered in the House of Representatives this summer.”

“This is not “the biggest bureaucratic power grab in a generation”, as some have said, but rather it is about clean water and healthy watersheds for future generations,” said Steve Moyer, Vice President for Trout Unlimited. “Two bad Supreme Court decisions have derailed the Clean Water Act, and today’s courageous action by the Committee gets us a big step closer to getting the law, and all it’s clean water benefits, back on track,” said Moyer.

The vote today would not be possible without leadership from Senator Russell Feingold (WI) and EPW Chairman Barbara Boxer (CA). Senator Feingold has introduced the Clean Water Restoration Act in multiple Congresses and consistently championed the fight to protect drinking water and critical habitat. Chairman Boxer seized the initiative this year and brought the bill to a vote less than three months after it was introduced. We also commend Senators Baucus and Klobuchar who brokered the amendment language that facilitated passage of the bill.

For additional information, please contact:

• Jan Goldman-Carter, National Wildlife Federation, (202) 797-6894
• Bart James, Ducks Unlimited, (202) 347-1530
• Scott Kovarovics, Izaak Walton League, (301) 548-0150 ext. 223
• Steve Moyer, Trout Unlimited, (703) 284-9406
• Geoff Mullins, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, (202) 654-4609

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing.

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

Washington, DC - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Clean Water Restoration Act was introduced in early April, and is now scheduled to be debated and voted on in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee tomorrow, Thursday, June 18th. Recent actions in Washington, D.C., have threatened to remove Clean Water Act protections for thousands of miles of streams and rivers that flow through our communities and for millions of acres of wetlands. Action is needed today to conserve these resources.

Over the past few weeks, Sens. Max Baucus (Mont.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), Barbara Boxer (Calif.) and others have arrived at a compromise substitute amendment that makes important modifications to the bill and broadens the support for the legislation.

The TRCP and the coalition of hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations strongly support this amendment and urge the committee to vote for it. We need your help to show strong support for this amendment and for restoring these wetlands and clean water protections.

Contact your Senator and urge them to vote “YES” on the compromise amendment this Thursday, June 18.

Learn more about the Clean Water Restoration Act

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing.

Ducks Unlimited

Washington, DC – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will vote on the Clean Water Restoration Act (S. 787) on Thursday June 18, 2009 in a markup hearing beginning at 10 am. The bill has strong endorsements from leading conservation groups, including Ducks Unlimited, the National Wildlife Federation, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Trout Unlimited.

Following the Senate EPW Committee vote find out the reaction of America’s leading sportsmen advocates for protecting clean, safe drinking water. Join the experts on clean water and wetlands from Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, National Wildlife Federation and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership for an update on what the committee vote means for wetlands and streams and what the next steps will be for clean water and wetlands.

More than 20 million acres of wetlands and thousands of miles of streams have lost their protection from drainage and destruction under the Clean Water Act. Two Supreme Court cases, and the regulatory guidance that followed from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency, stripped these protections. The Clean Water Restoration would restore these safeguards and ensure clean drinking water for all Americans, as well protect millions of acres of wetlands and thousands of miles of streams used by America’s wildlife.

This will be a remote conference – members of the media are encouraged to call in to the conference.

Speakers:
Dr. Scott Yaich, Director of Conservation Programs for Ducks Unlimited.
Jan Goldman-Carter, Wetlands and Water Resources Counsel, National Wildlife Federation.
Steve Moyer, Vice-President for Conservation Programs, Trout Unlimited.
Geoff Mullins, Policy Initiatives Manager, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

When: Thursday June 18, 2009 at 2 pm (Eastern time)

Call-in Number: 1-866-548-2699

About:
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands – nature’s most productive ecosystem – and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.