Advancing a Sound Conservation Policy

WPC understands that government action occurring through legislation, regulations and planning has direct impact to WPC’s mission. Through experience, we know that WPC’s active participation with governmental officials and government agency personnel has repeatedly resulted in policies fostering effective stewardship of our region’s natural and cultural resources. WPC educates, informs, influences and advocates sound conservation programs, practices and decision-making on local, state and federal levels.

You will read in this issue of CONSERVE how WPC worked side-by-side with governmental entities and non-governmental organizations to bring about significant funding for conservation through “Growing Greener” legislation to fund priority conservation projects.

One of the great success stories resulting from a groundswell of public concern and action resulted in the removal in 1999 of the peregrine falcon from the U.S. Endangered Species listing. Less than 40 years ago the species was declining rapidly in sections of Europe, had no nesting at any of the 150 historic U.S. sites east of the Mississippi River, and, for all practical purposes, fit the description of a species destined for extinction. Important accomplishments resulting from enormous public concern led to an impressive increase in peregrine falcon population and prompted its removal from the Endangered Species list.

A public issue recognized by all of us is the over abundance of deer in Pennsylvania. You will read how conservationists, hunters, foresters, farmers, gardeners and motorists joined together at a recent conference to discuss the serious problems resulting in the overpopulation of deer. This diverse group of conference participants are calling for the Pa. Game Commission, which has responsibility for deer management in Pennsylvania, to implement a statewide deer management plan to make determined efforts toward reducing the population.

As you will read in the cover story, land transactions such as the Coho tract along the shore of Lake Erie, occur only when the state, willing private industry and partnering conservation organizations all work together. WPC will soon turn this 540-acre property over to the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for management as a new state park that will facilitate public recreation and strengthen the local economy while protecting the significant natural features.

WPC has advanced citizen participation in advocacy by building a group of constituents wanting to foster responsible conservation public policy. Our action alerts and WPC Daily are two online tools we use to keep you up-to-date. We invite you to go to our Web site at www.paconserve.org and sign up for both. Or, give us a call if you would like to participate.

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