News & Commentary
Former U.S. senator: Time for changes on the N.J. Fish and Wildlife Council
By Robert Toricelli
In this op-ed, former U.S. senator Torricelli makes the case for reform of the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Council, explaining that many of the state’s regulations are not based on legitimate science.
Whose values count most in determining Vermont’s fish and wildlife priorities, regulations and public policies?
By Walter Medwid
In this op-ed Medwid writes, “Vermonters should rethink the focus of the Fish & Wildlife Department. Threats to biodiversity and shifting human values challenge the underpinnings of the department and the Fish & Wildlife Board…Whose values count most in determining Vermont’s fish and wildlife priorities, regulations, and public policies?”
Refocus Fish and Wildlife mandate on conservation
By Fred Koontz.
In this op-ed by former Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission member Fred Koontz, he describes the current state of the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife as a ‘political quagmire.’ “States are obligated to protect wildlife for current and future generations. The sad truth is that we are failing.”
New Mexico and wildlife — still more work to do
By Chris Smith.
On April 1st, Roxy’s Law, which bans traps, snares, and poisons on public lands, went into effect in New Mexico. Despite this progress, New Mexico isn’t the beacon of wildlife management that it should be.
Roxy’s Law a win, but wildlife governance needs reform
By Charles Fox.
Last year, NM passed Roxy’s Law, which will ban traps, snares, and poisons on public lands. The state Legislature also recently banned coyote-killing contests. However, the Department of Game and Fish allowed these cruel practices to continue for years despite massive opposition. “The Game Department’s backward policies are badly out of step with mainstream society and show little sign of improving. There is no excuse for repeating the mistakes and abuses of the past, no matter how longstanding.”
Stop the slaughter of predators: Reform wildlife management
By David Stalling.
In the most recent post from his blog “From The Wild Side: Wild Thoughts from an Untamed Heart,” David discusses the immediate need for wildlife governance reform, citing the specific atrocities happening right now in the state of Montana.
Press Release: Game of Groans – Fossil fuel lobbyist appointed to New Mexico Game Commission
Game of Groans: Fossil fuel lobbyist appointed to New Mexico Game Commission. Wildlife advocates decry extractive industry’s disproportionate representation.
Today, in a move that only intensifies the conservation community’s frustration towards the Commission and administration, NM Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham selected a senior ExxonMobil employee to serve on the public commission that oversees wildlife policy in the state.
Kevin Bixby of Wildlife for All featured on Ahi Va podcast
Listen to Kevin Bixby on the Ahi Va podcast talking about the greatest threats to wildlife and what a more robust funding model for conservation can do to mitigate those threats.
Opinion: Wildlife running for their lives
By Deborah Slicer. Originally published in the Missoulian.
This article examines Montana’s Fish, Wildlife, and Parks commission and the dysfunctionality of the state’s current wildlife management system.
Latest dismissal reveals need to reform Game Commission
By Kevin Bixby and Jesse Deubel. Originally published in The Albuquerque Journal.
Following the governor’s latest dismissal of one of her appointed members, there are currently three empty seats on the 7-member New Mexico State Game Commission. This op-ed explores the need to either abolish or reform the commission.