Climate change is projected to alter the geographic range and distribution of disease-carrying insects and pests, according to a new government report. The federally mandated National Climate Assessment (NCA) was released on Friday, and the fourth annual report warned of the devastating impact of climate change, including projections that the U.S. economy could lose hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century.
Category: Industry National News
Industry National News, News from other states
Judge Continues Block of Grizzly Hunt
A federal judge in Missoula, Mont., has extended the temporary restraining order in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear hunt – blocking any hunting of the recovered apex predators for up to another two weeks. On Aug. 31, U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen issued a 14-day temporary restraining order halting grizzly bear hunting that was scheduled to begin on Sept. 1 in Idaho and Wyoming. More information
Massachusetts: Bill Restricting Trapping Sent To Governor
The Massachusetts Legislature has sent a bill to Gov. Charlie Baker that would ban water-set traps. Senate Bill 2646 was revealed by the Massachusetts Conference Committee on July 31, and with no warning, included a provision banning water-set traps in the otherwise unrelated animal-abuse bill. The bill was promptly approved by the full House and Senate on August 2, with no chance for public debate. More information
Activists File Trapping Petition in Oregon
Five animal-rights organizations have filed a petition pressuring the state of Oregon to ban forms of trapping in four areas of the state. The professed reason for the petitioned ban is to avoid potential mortality to Humbolt martens – a small mammal related to other martens, minks and otters. The Humbolt marten is not currently listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, although it is under consideration for listing. More Information
HSUS Abandons Arizona Wildcat Ban – For Now
Arizonans for Wildlife, a front group for the Washington, D.C., -based Humane Society of the United States, has suspended their signature-gathering effort to qualify an initiative that would have banned the hunting and trapping of wildcats, primarily mountain lions, in the state. Kitty Block, the acting president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States since the sex-scandal resignation of Wayne Pacelle earlier this year, said the decision was due to local obstacles and national-level issues. More Information
Wisconsin Senator Wants To Ban Hunting, Trapping on Public Lands
Wisconsin Sen. Fred A. Risser (D-Madison) has introduced two bills that would ban trapping and hunting in all state parks. Senate Bill 774, which bans the use of foothold and body-gripping traps in states parks, and Senate Bill 775, which bans all hunting in state parks, have both been assigned to the Senate Sporting Heritage, Mining, and Forestry Committee. If either bill were to pass and become law, Wisconsin would see a decline in access to hunting and trapping, and, worse, these bills would politicize wildlife management. More Information
New Jersey Bill Seeks To Ban Trapping
New Jersey Senate Bill 179, sponsored by Sen. Vin Gopal (D-11), would ban the manufacturing, sale, possession, importation, transportation or use of a spring-loaded foothold or body-gripping trap. Effectively, making it illegal to trap by traditional methods in the state. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee where it is waiting to receive testimony. More Information