Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Paul alaback's avatar

Agree. This has been one of the most powerful laws to promote conservation in the US. ESA is another of the many key laws passed with a bipartisan majority back in the days of the Nixon administration. It is not without controversy, and could be made more effective, and less costly to land owners. But obviously the key provision is habitat protection, which is why many species go extinct. One of the great challenges is that the best time to conserve wildlife is before they become threatened or endangered. Small changes in habitat protection can make a big difference at that point. But there are few legal or economic incentives for land managers to do this, before species come under the protection of the ESA. It would cost a lot less money and be less disruptive to save species before they are threatened. I always thought what we really need is ecosystem protection not just protection for a few well documented threatened species. But ESA has made a huge difference, and many species have been saved from extinction mostly because of the enforcement this important law. I hope this destructive change and gutting of the law does not go through.

Expand full comment
Lucinda Kempe's avatar

When I clicked on the sign "thing" it came up blank? I've rescued baby squirrels (2 died) that went to Sweetbriar Nature Preserve here on L.I., NY. I brought home a wounded grail I found out running years ago in Astoria. The vet, a bird man, couldn't save her, but I wasn't going to leave her there. And he only charged me $25.00 that he donated to a wildlife rescue (what a man! I'm afraid I don't know such vets these days; they're all money maniacs). I got my Greek husband in on a rescue of a chicken that had been dumped at Sunken Meadow Park & was freezing to death. He actually thought to use a rope (which was ridiculous & didn't work). During the rescue a Scotsman (of all things) happened upon us and laughed. Finally, I convinced my husband that we needed a blanket which worked. I took it to a local farm that sold eggs & I have the awful suspicion that he began "dinner" as he wasn't a special chicken like the ones they had on display. I stopped going to them years ago as I realized they didn't take care of the caged birds - too many in a tiny enclosure etc... I don't mention the dogs, cats & men(I was a wild child in Nola growing up) I rescued🕶️ Thank you for all you do, Marina💕🐇🐂🐿️🕊️

Expand full comment

No posts