YOUR CONSERVATION COMMITTEE AT WORK
by Nancy Arbuckle
Protect Condors and Bald Eagles
Assemblymember Pedro Nava proposes a ban on lead shot in bird hunting:
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/feb/24/lawmaker-introduces-rule-to-ban-lead-shot-in/
Lead poisoning is the leading cause of death in California condors and threatens many other species as well including bald eagles.
Nava's bill (AB 2223) will probably go to the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), sometime in mid-March.
ALL LEGISLATORS MAY BE WRITTEN C/O THE STATE CAPITOL, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814. Urge their support for AB 2223. Meanwhile, some Letters to the Editors would be helpful. What is REALLY needed, of course, is a nationwide ban on the use of ALL lead for ALL hunting and fishing. But this is a good start.
YOU CAN HELP STOP CARGILLVILLE, A CITY OF 30,000 T0 BE BUILT ON THE BAY!
Dear Fellow Birders,
Please join the over 1800 individuals and organizations that have signed Save The Bay’s petition demanding full restoration of the Redwood City salt ponds, and rejection of the massive “Cargillville” development.
Please help us add to the petition today http://www.savesfbay.org/redwoodcity and spread the word. We particularly need to add to the hundreds of Redwood City residents who have already signed on.
Thank you!
Sign the Petition
Please join Save the Bay, Sierra Club, the Center for Biological Diversity, Sequoia Audubon Society, Endangered Species Coalition, SF Baykeeper, Friends of Redwood City, and over 1800 other groups and individuals by signing our petition:
We oppose Cargill and DMB's massive Bay salt pond development in Redwood City. The project would put new development in the path of rising sea levels and destroy Bay shoreline open space that should be restored. This is not an infill site and is not the place for housing and commercial development; Redwood City should continue its smart growth redevelopment downtown. We urge Redwood City, state and federal agencies to reject the project and promote full restoration and protection of habitat and open space on this site.
SHARP PARK RESTORATION EFFORTS CONTINUE
A coalition of restoration advocates met with Congresswoman Jackie Speier to enlist her support in saving endangered species and opening up public access to Sharp Park by pursuing an all-restoration alternative to the existing under-utilized and money-losing golf course. Our goal, supported by a majority of the SF Board of Supervisors under whose jurisdiction the San Mateo County-based park lies, is a better public park at Sharp Park -- a park that protects the environment and provides recreational opportunities we can all enjoy.
SAS BOARD ENDORSES
STATE PARKS AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION TRUST FUND ACT OF 2010
The Board has endorsed a statewide ballot measure, slated for November 2010, which would create a trust fund that would provide a stable, reliable, and adequate source of funding for the state park system. Funding for the Trust Fund would come from an $18 annual State Park Access Pass surcharge on all California vehicles, including motorcycles and recreational vehicles. Vehicles subject to the surcharge would receive free, year-round admission to all state parks throughout the year. Californians will no longer pay day use fees at any state parks.
IF YOU SPOT AN OILED BIRD
By Judy Spitler
As birders we might be the first to see a problem and get authorities into the area. Concerning any oiled birds spotted in the area, Jay Holcolm, Executive Director of the International Bird Research Rescue Center (IBRRC) in Cordelia, asked me to request that you call IBRRC directly so they can assess the situation and, hopefully, rescue any beached birds. They are the oiled-bird experts not only in California, but also the world.
IBRRC telephone: 707-207-0380 or Jay’s email: jay.holcomb@ibrrc.org
Also, if you do end up with an injured/oiled bird, remember you can take it to Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA Wildlife Department. They are at 12 Airport Blvd -- right beside Coyote Point. They are a member of the California Oiled Wildlife Care Network and, after stabilizing the bird, they will get it to IBRRC.
(Appeared in PenBird on 12/13/09)
MISSION STATEMENT MAKEOVER!
Recently, the SAS Board of Directors reviewed the Bylaws of which the Mission Statement is a part. Revising the Mission Statement means amending the Bylaws. The Bylaws may be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at a regular meeting. Notice in writing summarizing the proposed amendment must be sent at least 15 days prior to the meeting date to members at their last known postal addresses. We are sending it in this issue of the Needles. The vote will take place at the May 13, 2010 General Meeting.
Proposed Revised Mission Statement:
The Sequoia Audubon Society protects native birds and other wildlife and their ecosystems in San Mateo County, by engaging people of all ages in conservation, education, advocacy, and enjoyment.