FreeLists / va-richmond-general / [va-richmond-general] Re: Vulture killings - USDA response

["IE Ries" <ieries@xxxxxxx>]

I got the same canned response, too, from them.   Besides going through
Audubon's portal, I independantly contacted US F&WS, Chief for this region,
Diane Pence.  I have not received a reply yet.

Irene in Southside



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Shapiro" <sc.tanager@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Richmond listserv" <VA-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>; "VA Bird
listserv" <va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2003 7:52 PM
Subject: [va-richmond-general] Vulture killings - USDA response


> Hi, all-
>     I received this response today concerning vultures and vulture
killings. I only glanced at the report but it appears that they will
continue to use lethal methods of addressing the "vulture problem" in
addition to non-lethal ones, that an EIS is not necessary, and that killing
them does not violate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (justification is
given). If you follow the instructions below to see the report, click the
second report with "FONSI" at the end of it (the first one is apparently 77
pp. long. My computer had problems downloading it. The second one is only 13
pages).
> Michael Shapiro
> Henrico
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------
>
> Dear Stakeholder:
>
> Thank you for your email about vultures.   I understand you are concerned
> about the status of vulture populations as am I.  This is why I prepared
> two environmental documents to analyze the impacts on vulture populations.
> It is unfortunate that some incomplete information was posted on the world
> wide web which caused you to email me.   I recommend you read the two
> environmental documents about vulture damage management in Virginia so you
> can make an informed decision.   The two documents can be found at
> www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/pubs.html then click on Environmental Documents, the
> click on Virginia.
>
> The Wildlife Services program was created by Congress to reduce damage
> caused by wildlife to protect agriculture, property, natural resources,
and
> human health and safety.  The program achieves its mission as a leader in
> wildlife damage management by providing technical assistance, direct
> management of problems, and research.   We work with local, state and
> federal agencies, organizations, individuals, native Americans, and
> businesses to achieve our mission.
>
> You can look at the success of vultures in North America as another
> wildlife success story.  While it is comforting to see another wildlife
> species become abundant, there are new responsibilities that federal
> wildlife managers incur when migratory birds becomes abundant.  The new
> responsibility shifts from protection to management, because wildlife is a
> public resource which must be managed for all.  Sometimes vultures cause
> damage.  The Wildlife Services program is placed in the difficult position
> to reduce damage and conflicts caused by abundant vultures.     We regret
> to take action against vultures to reduce damage.   Fortunately, we can
> reduce damage most of the time without harming vultures.
>
> Thank you for your interest in vultures and this program.   Please take
the
> time to read the two vulture damage management documents so you can make
an
> informed decision about vulture management.
>
>
> Martin Lowney
> State Director, Virginia
> USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services
> P.O. Box 130
> Moseley, VA 23120
> 804-739-7739
> 804-739-7738 fax
>
>
> You are subscribed to VA-Richmond-General. To unsubscribe, send email to
> va-richmond-general-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the
Subject field. To adjust other settings (vacation, digest, etc.) please
visit, http://www.freelists.org/list/va-richmond-general.
>
>


You are subscribed to VA-Richmond-General. To unsubscribe, send email to
va-richmond-general-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject 
field. To adjust other settings (vacation, digest, etc.) please visit, 
http://www.freelists.org/list/va-richmond-general.