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Commission suing to stop bird listing

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...coalition in combating the listing of the lesser prairie chicken on a federal register of endangered animals. The listing of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species, a bird native to New Mexico and four other states and known for its rare mating rituals, was made in March by the USFWS and affects many eastern New Mexico counties. Roosevelt County Manager Charlene Webb said other counties are considering suing the USFWS as the deadline to contest the listing is June...
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Circus Win, Activist Loss

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A victory for the owners of Ringling Bros. Rider claimed he suffered emotional injury because Ringling Brothers used chains and bull hooks -- metal hooks on poles -- to manage the elephants. The circus, which calls the tool a "guide," says it is used humanely.
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Biologist to Begin Grizzly Bear Trapping in Madison Mountains, Montana

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Public Reminded to Heed Warning Signs BOZEMAN - As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone ecosystem, the U.S. Geological Survey would like to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific trapping operations will be conducted on private land in the southern Madison Mountains, Montana. In agreement with landowners, biologists, with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST), will be working from May 27th to June 15th on private land in southwest Montana. Trapping operations can include a variety of activities, but all areas where work is being conducted will have major access points marked with warning signs. It is critical that the public heed these signs.…
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Conservation Group Cries Foul at USFWS Announcement

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Dr. Frank Rohwer, president of Delta Waterfowl has sent a letter to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office in California to oppose a recent decision to cease traditional migratory bird programming in order to address a growing backlog of permitting, research and evaluation needs related to wind and solar energy projects in the western United States. "This decision by the USFWS regional leadership is absolutely unacceptable," Rohwer said. "The Service cannot simply put on hold its long-standing and legal mandate to manage waterfowl." An internal USFWS memo written by Eric Davis, assistant regional director for USFWS Region 8, declares that traditional migratory bird responsibilities - including work on the Pacific Flyway Council, assistance to habitat joint ventures…
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President bypasses Congress, creates Second national monument for NM

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Steve Pearce, R-N.M., has proposed legislation that would provide monument protection to 58,500 acres of the Organ Mountains. Only Congress can establish such wilderness areas, which carry more restrictive rules for use. Heinrich said "there are a handful of things that will still have to be addressed legislatively," including any new wilderness areas or changes to border enforcement and management policies.
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