|
November 6, 2009 No. 2009-19 |
|
$110 MILLION FOR WATERFOWL INCLUDED IN WATER BOND BALLOT MEASURE
After more than 3 years of lobbying efforts, the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) has succeeded in including $110 million for waterfowl and wetland habitat conservation efforts in a statewide bond measure that, with the Governor's expected signature, will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot. COHA was pleased to work with its founding member, California Waterfowl, as well as its conservation partners, Ducks Unlimited and the Grasslands Water District, to include this important funding as part of an overall $11.14 billion water bond package.
The measure, entitled the "Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010", includes language COHA helped draft which calls for "at least $100 million" to be allocated to the Wildlife Conservation Board for the purchase of water rights and water conveyance infrastructure for wildlife refuges and habitat areas under the federal Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA). These waterfowl habitat areas include Central Valley National Wildlife Refuges, state Wildlife Management Areas and private duck clubs within the Grasslands Resource Conservation District in Merced County - areas which provide significant hunting opportunity for waterfowl, pheasant and other game birds.
The measure also includes COHA written language which would provide an additional $10 million for private lands wetland conservation programs administered by the Department of Fish and Game - including the California Waterfowl Habitat Program (i.e. Presley Program) - that offer financial incentives to duck clubs and other private landowners to protect and enhance the wildlife values of their property.
COHA wishes to thank Senator Dave Cogdill (R-Fresno), the author of the bond measure, as well as Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Assembly Members Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) and Tom Berryhill (R-Modesto), for their considerable efforts to include our funding provisions. To take effect, the measure must be approved by the California electorate on November 2010 statewide ballot.
|
LATE SEASON GOOSE HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES ONCE AGAIN OFFERED THROUGH SHARE PROGRAM
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA), in cooperation with California Waterfowl and the CA Department of Fish and Game (DFG), is again offering special private land hunting opportunities for geese in late February and early March. Hunter applications must be postmarked on or before January 8, 2010. A drawing will be conducted by DFG the week of January 18th, with successful applicants notified shortly thereafter.
For Imperial Valley white goose (i.e. Ross' and snow) hunt opportunities, and applicaiton please go to: www.outdoorheritage.org
For North Coast Aleutian goose hunt opportunities and application, please go to www.calwaterfowl.org
|
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD ADVISES HUNTERS NOT TO HUNT ON OR NEAR TRACKS
OMAHA, Neb., November 3, 2009 - Wildlife tend to migrate and feed along the edges of freshly harvested fields making these areas prime hunting spots. With many fields adjacent to Union Pacific Railroad tracks, hunters find it very tempting to hunt on or near the tracks. Union Pacific urges hunters to resist that temptation, and for their safety, avoid railroad property this hunting season. "As hunters head outdoors this year, we want to remind them that walking on or near railroad tracks is extremely dangerous because you never know when a train will come along," said Dennis Jenson, assistant vice president-chief of police. "It can take a mile or more to stop a train and by the time a locomotive engineer sees you on the track, it would be too late," said Dale Bray, director - public safety. "Locomotives and rail cars overhang the tracks by at least three feet on either side of the rail and loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. If you are next to the tracks, you can be hit by the locomotive, a rail car or anything that may be hanging loose from the car," added Bray. Hunters are not the only ones drawn to railroad tracks - hikers, bikers, fishermen and snowmobilers are as well. For the full press release go to http://www.outdoorheritage.org/electronicmedia.php |
