Former Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Martha Williams was appointed on Wednesday as second-in-command at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Biden Administration. William’s replacement within Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte’s cabinet was also named today.
As principal deputy director of FWS, Williams will oversee a federal agency tasked with managing wildlife and habitat across the country, and in charge of more than 150 million acres of land in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The agency also administers the Endangered Species Act.
At FWP, Williams was at the helm of fishing and hunting policy in Montana. That agency also guides how the state deals with federally-protected species like grizzly bears, bull trout and Canada lynx, and
Commentary: EarthTalk by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss - Hunting s role in conservation
Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
Jan. 21, 2021
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Are hunters really the biggest conservationists in America?
Hunters play a large part in conservation efforts across the U.S. through their taxes, licenses and donations. In fact, the National Wildlife Refuge System itself was founded by a hunter: President Theodore Roosevelt. That being said, the mere act of hunting alone is not conservation.
Hunters take action outside of hunting itself to maintain species’ health, environments and numbers in which they hunt. In this regard, not all hunters are conservationists, but many become conservationists through hunting.
Dear EarthTalk:Are hunters really the biggest conservationists in America?Joe W., Raleigh, NCHunters do play a large part in conservation efforts across the U.S. through their taxes, licenses and donations. In fact, the National Wildlife Refuge System itself was founded by a hunter: President Theodore Roosevelt. That being said, the mere act of hunting alone is not conservation.
Bicyclist nearly killed by Madeira Beach garbage truck sues city
Julie Henning, of Virginia, was left with a traumatic brain injury, compound fractures and damaged organs after a city truck hit her last May.
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Julie Henning, of Virginia, lived an active lifestyle of fishing, birding, biking and kayaking before a Madeira Beach garbage truck hit her while she rode her bicycle last May. Now she s suing the city. [ Courtesy of Julie Henning ]
Published Jan. 19
MADEIRA BEACH â Julie Henning woke one morning last May with what figured to be a lovely Saturday ahead of her, warm and nearly cloudless. She had traveled from her home outside Washington, D.C., where sheâs in charge of policy for the National Wildlife Refuge System, to a place her family owned here, her bicycle and kayak in tow.
Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge established in southern Maine
Portsmouth Herald
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has acquired the first parcel of land in Maine for the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge with the purchase of a 48-acre forested property in South Berwick and Berwick.
“We’re really excited to add another conservation area in southern Maine,” said Karl Stromayer, manager of Rachel Carson NWR and Great Thicket NWR in Maine. “Through Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge, we’re conserving important habitat that will ensure current and future generations can experience the rich variety of animals and plants that call these special places home.”