Norton looks to protect birds, development

[Ithaca 37]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Interior Secretary Gale Norton is touting private conservation programs to protect a rare grouse species rather than using the Endangered Species Act, a move that could disrupt new natural gas and oil drilling in the West........

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/10/norton.sagegrouse.ap/index.html

Hey AKHighmark, When I posted the Yellowstone Snowmobile Plan lawsuit article you immediately claimed I back all exclusionary groups. How about telling us all if I'm for or against Norton's ideas?

 

[AKHighmark]

Most likely against...

Based on past posts spouting against development, Nortons plans against the endangered species actin this case would go against your normal rants. If the grose were to be protected under the ACT the oil and gas develompent would be curtailed and I'm sure you would be dancing a little jig.

 

[Ithaca 37]

Wrong again. Anything that works will be OK with me. If Norton and others can have a positive effect on the sage grouse and keep them from being listed that's great. Just don't use any smokescreens to keep them off the list.

 

[Muledeer4me]

It's nice to see something of a more positive post.


"Anything that works will be OK with me."


As we all know that hasnt been your view in the past.
But it's still nice to read something of a positive.


"Just don't use any smokescreens to keep them off the list."

I might add "and dont use any smokescreens at the other end of the spectrum "when trying to convince people that more animals or land needs to be protected.
The truth from all side's is what should be used ,only then will we see some real progress.

 

[BuzzH]

I'm all in favor the ESA, as a last resort to save a species.

That said, what works better is taking action way before things get to that.

When the ESA is used, its pretty much saying that we've failed miserably at land/wildlife stewardship.

 

[Oak]

I'm all in favor the ESA, as a last resort to save a species.

That's the important part. I think that groups attempt to use the ESA as a tool to further their land management agendas rather than protecting the species. It's tempting, as a means to an end, but I believe it reduces the power of the law, and may end up getting the ESA revised. However, if the threat of listing gets people to get off their hands and actually do something to help the species, that's a good thing.

Oak