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Defenders News Briefs Winter 2007
'Takings' Initiatives Shot Down
Voters in California, Idaho and Washington in November rejected ballot initiatives that would have undermined zoning and environmental laws. These so-called “takings” measures would have required local or state governments to pay property owners to comply with applicable zoning and environmental laws designed to protect quality of life and environmental health. The sole takings initiative that passed was in Arizona, although it faces a legal challenge from opponents, who maintain it is unconstitutional.
A Step Down the Road to Recovery
For the Florida panther, crossing over a busy road is never easy, but being able to cross underneath one might help. Prodded by Defenders' Florida office, the Florida Department of Transportation has agreed to commit $425,000 to the initial design phase of a $4 million project that will allow the big cats to do just that on a stretch of highway in Big Cypress National Preserve. This road has been particularly deadly for the big cats; since 1979, seven panthers have been hit there.
Curbs on Snowmobiles Help Woodland Caribou
Defenders and other conservation groups recently won protections that might enable the survival of the last mountain caribou herd in the contiguous 48 states. In response to litigation by Defenders, the U.S. Forest Service committed to developing a winter recreation plan in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests to address the noise and pollution problems that snowmobiles have on the herd. Until they do, the Forest Service must adopt restrictions on snowmobiling in caribou winter habitat.
Sea Otters Gain Protection in California Waters
Federally threatened California sea otters got a boost in protection last fall when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill that included improving water quality along the state's coast. The bill also establishes a fund to support otter research, and mandates a label on cat litter that encourages cat owners to throw used litter into the garbage instead of flushing it down the toilet. Research is showing that many sea otters have been infected with a deadly parasite found in cat feces that ends up in waterways. Defenders led the coalition of conservation groups working to ensure the legislation passed.
