[va-richmond-general] Conservation Issue: Legal Destruction of Black and Turkey Vultures in Virginia

VA-birders....

I typically do not post conservation issues on the VA-bird listserve, but
this is an exception since it applies to the entire state (and other
states too).  Last month, approximately 400 vulures were captured and
killed in Chesterfield County because they were defecating on boats and
vehicles, scratching the paint on cars and trucks, and pulling rubber
from windshield wipers and gaskets. This was covered by the press, and
several of us commented on the lack of sound judgement in doing this. 
NOW, we have received the letter below (that I copied from a hard copy)
that states that the agency that killed the birds is requesting public
comment on their "pre-decisional environmental assessment (EA)" which
will expand the program to control vultures across the entire state. 

By the way, the only vultures that were doing any "damage" in
Chesterfield County were Black Vultures. There were probably less than
100 birds roosting at the boat landing site where the damage occurred. 
However, by baiting a trap with deer carcasses, they attracted vultures
from the surrounding area and destroyed them too. Vultures have already
returned to the area and will continue to do so since they are attracted
by dead fish and other items left at the location. It now appears that in
order to prevent the damage, they need to expand the program to get every
migrant vulture that enters Virginia. Perhaps, folks from adjacent states
need to evaluate the proposals and send in comments too.  

Please note that some of my comments above are based on what has already
taken place. I have not read the EA or the "proposed program", so I do
not know what they are actually proposing.  Since I will be out of state
for most of the month, I will probably not see a copy until I return. 
However, if you acquire a copy and have any feelings on this issue,
please express them to Martin Lowney as soon as possible.  I would
appreciate getting a copy of your letter also if  you are so inclined.  

                        Larry

Larry Lynch
9430 Tuxford Road
Richmond, VA  23236  
birder6@xxxxxxxx   

--------------------------------------------------------
Original letter:

Header at the top includes the following:  United States Department of
Agriculture   Animal and Plant Health Inspection  Wildlife Services  

Address:  P. O. Box 130,  Moseley, VA  23120   phone:  (804) 739-7739

Dated:  September 9, 2002

Dear Stakeholder:

USDA-APHIS-WS has prepared a pre-decisional environmental assessment (EA)
to evaluate a proposed program to reduce damage caused by black and
turkey vultures in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  WS proposes to continue
the current integrated vulture damage management program which responds
to requests for assistance to protect livestock, pets, property,
agricultural resources, and human health in Virginia.  The integrated
vulture damage management program provides both technical assistance and
operational assistance in identifying and abating vulture damage.

The EA will examine how the proposed integrated vulture damage management
program may affect the human environment in Virginia, and will help
determine the best way for WS to reduce predation on livestock, damage to
public and private property, and threats to human health. The analysis
area to be covered under this EA includes all lands in Virginia.

The public is invited to review the EA and provide information or
comments regarding any concerns or issues they would like to see
addressed.  Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of the EAmay contact
the Office of thte State Director, USDA-APHIS-WS, P.O. Box 130, Moseley,
Virginia 23120. [(804) 739-7739].  Written comments should be provided to
this office by October 12, 2002.

Sincerely,               

Martin Lowney
State Director, Virginia


(bottom line of letterhead)     APHIS - Protecting American Agriculture  
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