WA $12,000 Challenge Match Contribution to Western Watersheds Project by a generous anonymous donor with a December 31, 2003 deadline is close to being fully matched.
As of December 15, 2003 WWP has received $11,000 toward the match leaving a balance of $1,000. to meet the goal before the end of the year.
WWP encourages readers of WWP's Online Messenger to help WWP reach this goal by making a generous end of the year tax-deductible contribution to WWP.
Contributions can be made to WWP, P.O. Box 1770, Hailey, Idaho 83333 or at WWP's secure web site at: https://www.westernwatersheds.org/members/joinwwp.html.
Interested readers can review the job descriptions and employment details for two full time positions (Development Director and Administrative Assistant and one part time opening (Grant Writer) at the WWP web site: http://www.westernwatersheds.org/jobs/jobs.html.
The positions are open until filled.
In The Latest WWP Legal News:
This news release was sent out December 16, 2003
Western Watersheds Project intends to sue the Bureau of Land Management for violating the Endangered Species Act over the agency's management of livestock grazing on four allotments in the Jarbidge Resource Area in southern Idaho.
WWP today sent to the BLM a 60-day notice of intent to sue over livestock grazing, primarily in the Yahoo, Hagerman Group, Flat Iron and Bruneau Arm allotments of the Jarbidge RA. Grazing on the allotments continues to imperil five types of Snake River snails, four of which are listed as endangered under ESA and one of which is listed as threatened.
"Irresponsible and uncontrolled livestock grazing continues to imperil wildlife throughout the high desert of southern Idaho," said Todd Tucci of Advocates for the West, representing WWP. "Because the BLM continues to turn its back on wildlife, WWP must seek enforcement of the Endangered Species Act and hold the BLM and ranchers accountable."
The BLM allowed nearly three years ago that grazing within the four allotments may effect Snake River snails. In February 2001, Jarbidge Field Manager Edward Guerrero announced publicly the BLM's intent to prepare a biological assessment examining the impacts of livestock grazing on the snails.
WWP believes the BLM failed to complete the assessment. Meanwhile, the agency continues to authorize livestock grazing within the four allotments in violation of the ESA.
WWP contends that the BLM's actions have caused significant ecological damage to spring complexes, water quality and recovery habitat for the Snake River snails.
The agency has also failed to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over its management of the four allotments, another violation of the ESA.
"Unfortunately, the Jarbidge Field Office of the BLM seems to need to hear from a federal judge in order to obey the law," said Jon Marvel, executive director of WWP.