|
various endangered species, you'll learn about a not so common term,
"keystone species." What that term basically means is this, " if one
species goes extinct, like the wolf or rhino, so do a bunch of
others."
Just click on the Race to save the races above, then click on the
second page, the button at the top that says, "endangered Species."
You'll see some great videos of various endangered species, and the
organizations that are making a difference. I still will post some of
animals in the United States like the wolf and the Grizzly Bear.
How many people know how many species are endangered of extinction at
this time? I'll tell you this; I was stunned when I learned this
figure. Are you sitting down, or perhaps you should stand up. 16,000
are endangered at this time globally! Give or take 500.
Yes, the good old U.S.A. has a number of them, all you have to do is
pick a state. But globally, all you have to do is pick a continent,
and each will reveal a story. A story that says that a lot more
people have to join in this cause. A lot of good is being done, but
so much more needs to be done.
Here's a quote I found that will have you asking the question, "what can I do?"
According to the Earth Policy institute:
"This is the first mass extinction that humans will witness
first-hand, and not just as innocent bystanders. And this can be the
first time in history that a single species can act to prevent it.
Yep, it's up to us. And it needs to be on a massive level to tip the
scales.
On Too The Article!
Los Angeles Times - Home
President Obama visited the Interior Department today to celebrate
the 60th anniversary of its first Interior secretary. He got a warm
reception from employees. He reminisced about his first visits to
national parks as an 11-year-old, which, btw, was the same time
Obama's vice president, Joe Biden, was first entering the Senate as a
very young man.
"That [park trip] was an experience I will never forget," the new
president said. "It's an experience I want for my daughters and all
our daughters and sons."
Obama also announced key changes in implementing the endangered
species law. He said his memo would "help restore the scientific
process to its rightful place at the heart of the Endangered Species
Act." (The full memo text is below; paragraphs added.) More undoing
of last-minute changes by the previous administration.
The White House, March 3, 2009
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: The Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act (ESA), 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., reflects
one of the Nation's profound commitments. Pursuant to that Act, the
Federal Government has long required a process of broad interagency
consultation to ensure the application of scientific and technical
expertise to decisions that may affect threatened or endangered
species.
Under that interagency process, executive departments and agencies
(agencies) contemplating an action that may affect endangered or
threatened species have long been required, except in certain limited
circumstances, to consult with, and in some circumstances obtain the
prior written concurrence of, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) -- the expert
agencies that have the primary responsibility to ensure that the ESA
is implemented in accordance with the law.
On December 16, 2008, the Departments of the Interior and Commerce
issued a joint regulation that modified these longstanding
requirements. See 73 Fed. Reg. 76272. This new regulation expands the
circumstances in which an agency may determine not to consult with,
or obtain the written concurrence of, the FWS or NMFS prior to
undertaking an action that may affect threatened or endangered
species. But under the new regulation, agencies may continue the
previous practice of consulting with, and obtaining the written
concurrence of, the FWS and NMFS as a matter of discretion.
I hereby request the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to
review the regulation issued on December 16, 2008, and to determine
whether to undertake new rulemaking procedures with respect to
consultative and concurrence processes that will promote the purposes
of the ESA. Until such review is completed, I request the heads of
all agencies to exercise their discretion, under the new regulation,
to follow the prior longstanding consultation and concurrence
practices involving the FWS and NMFS.
This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or
benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity
by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or
entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
Agencies shall carry out the provisions of this memorandum to the
extent permitted by law and consistent with statutory authorities.
The Secretary of the Interior is hereby authorized and directed to
publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
(signed) BARACK OBAMA
triadmedia.inc
|
|
SIGN
UP FOR FREE
