Newswise — Ohio's sportsmen have joined the battle to protect Ohio's fish and wildlife from climate change. As Congress considers climate change legislation, it is important for hunters and anglers to make their voices heard.
The League of Ohio Sportsmen (LOOS), state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, (NWF) took some very important action this past week. LOOS President Larry Mitchell signed on to a letter that will be sent to Congress urging the passage of legislation that includes dedicated funding to help fish and wildlife agencies mitigate the impacts of climate change on wildlife. Hundreds of hunting and fishing clubs across America are signing similar letters to Congress. With the leadership of LOOS, we expect many of Ohio's hunting and fishing clubs to sign similar letters in coming weeks.
LOOS is also co-sponsoring a National Wildlife Federation leadership workshop at Mohican State Park in November. Hunters and anglers from across Ohio will attend to learn how they can join with the League and NWF to meet the challenges facing Ohio's wild things and wild places as a result of climate change.
On September 24 and 25, John Marshall, a sportsman from Johnstown, Ohio, was on Capitol Hill meeting with several of Ohio's representatives and members of Senator Voinovich's office. John gave a first-hand account of the problems he sees from climate change, and urged members of Congress to provide dedicated funding for fish and wildlife conservation.
Sportsmen club officers or individuals who want to help Ohio's fish and wildlife can visit www.targetglobalwarming.org for detailed information. A 2006 National Wildlife Federation poll showed 75 percent of hunters and anglers say Congress should pass mandatory reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. Traditionally, hunters and anglers have met the challenges facing wildlife with political action, their pocketbooks, and their passion for the outdoors. Jim Wentz, Ohio's Outreach Coordinator for NWF, said, "Congress has a moral responsibility to pass strong climate change legislation so future generations can enjoy the same outdoor opportunities we do now. Sportsmen need to make certain that legislation includes dedicated funding to help conservationists meet the new challenges presented by climate change. I am confident Ohio's hunters and anglers are going to make their views known in Washington."
The National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.
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