“The undersigned hunting, fishing, and other conservation organizations, representing millions of sportsmen and women across the United States, are aware from court filings in the above referenced litigation, that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is engaged in settlement discussions with the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD). We respectfully request that the Service reject any settlement of pending litigation that would undermine or reduce the expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges. A settlement would be inconsistent with the Service’s responsibilities under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Improvement Act). The Improvement Act directs the Service to prioritize the expansion of hunting and fishing on refuges. To this end, we also applaud your leadership and the recent expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on 2.1 million acres (announced in August of 2021).” — coalition letter to USFWS Director Martha Williams (March 11, 2022)
In Episode 260 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses an update to the sue and settle case stemming from Center for Biological Diversity vs. USFWS to potentially close off 2.3M acres of national wildlife refuge and national fish hatchery public lands opened up in summer 2020. She elaborates on the coalition letter urging USFWS to not settle with CBD under said terms to ban lead tackle and bullet use on these public lands.
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SHOW NOTES
Alliance of 40 Sportsmen’s Orgs Oppose USFWS Settlement Talks
Sportsmen’s Alliance: Feds Discuss Public-Land Lead Ban
Re: Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Potential Settlement