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Conservation
Matters Sue Vernier, Conservation Chair
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Please Take Action Today!
The Good News…Send a special thank you to Congressman Brad Ellsworth for his successful efforts to provide $500,000 for Patoka River NWR in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
The Not So Good News…It will take $1.5 million to acquire the 1,150 acres available from Peabody Energy. This large tract bridges two other large tracts in this highly fragmented Refuge. The 1,150 acres have been available for several years (no federal funding was provided for several budget cycles), but Peabody has recently announced plans to find another buyer in the fall of 2009 if the Fish and Wildlife Service is unable to commit to its purchase by then.Just the Facts…The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is the primary source for land acquisition for four federal agencies, including National Wildlife Refuges. LWCF is funded with revenues from offshore oil and gas leases. A wonderful concept—activities that deplete some of our country’s natural resources provide funds for the permanent protection of other natural resources.
Due to a past decision by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, no “Duck Stamp” money is available to refuges in Indiana so LWCF remains the only viable source for Federal money for land acquisition for Patoka River NWR.
How You Can Help…Contact your U.S. Senators and Congressman to urge their support to provide funding to acquire the $1.5 million Peabody Energy property for Patoka River NWR from the LWCF FY-2010 appropriations. Remember, the LWCF Act of 1965 provided a funding source but it cannot be spent unless appropriated by Congress—i.e. “earmarks”. Remind them that LWCF meets “pay as you go” (PAYGO) requirements for appropriations since as recently as 2007 oil and gas royalties on federal lands and waters amounted to $12 billion, which greatly exceeded appropriations.
See Congressional Contact Sheet for information on reaching our Senators and Congressman.
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