| TRCP News- TRCP Fights Destructive Energy Development on Wyoming’s Atlantic Rim
- Conservation Leaders Join TRCP Policy Council, Board
- 2007 Farm Bill Heats Up
- TRCP’s Life in the Open OUT WEST FOR YOUR BEST Contest Accepting Entries
- TRCP Nashville Office Expands
- TRCP Fights Destructive Energy Development on Wyoming’s Atlantic Rim
 | New oil and gas wells could severely damage pristine hunting lands of the Atlantic Rim. Photo: Dwayne Meadows | The TRCP recently appealed a decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that clears the way for 2,000 new oil and gas wells in one of Wyoming’s most popular hunting regions along the Atlantic Rim. “The BLM is officially telling hunters that wildlife, hunting and outfitting will have to go elsewhere for at least a generation,” said TRCP Energy Initiative Manager Steve Belinda, who lives in Boulder, Wyo. “It looks like wildlife and the needs of sportsmen and -women are again playing second fiddle to extraction at any cost.” "In this decision, BLM has ignored the needs and concerns of sportsmen, hikers, wildlife-watchers, ranchers and other local citizens who have used Atlantic Rim and value it highly," said Dr. Rollin Sparrowe of Daniel, Wyo., a TRCP Board member. "This decision admits likely severe damage, yet offers no new thinking about how to avoid or lessen the impacts to wildlife.” One of the shortcomings that the TRCP will highlight before the Interior Board of Land Appeals is an over-reliance on mitigation to offset impacts from energy development. “The first tenet of mitigation is supposed to be avoidance of essential habitat wherever possible,” said Belinda. “It’s tough to see where such a consideration ever entered the agency’s planning. This is single-purpose use of the public lands, not multiple-use with care for other resources.” The TRCP believes that to better balance the concerns of fish and wildlife in the face of accelerating energy development, federal land management agencies must follow the conservation tenets outlined in the “FACTS for Fish and Wildlife.” To join Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development please click here. |
| Back to Top | | Go to TRCP Home Page | - Conservation Leaders Join TRCP Policy Council, Board
The Board of Directors of the TRCP welcomed two prominent conservationists to new leadership roles within the organization at the end of June. The Board named former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Steven A. Williams as Chair of its Policy Council and William P. Hite, General President of the United Association of Plumber and Pipefitters (UA), as a member of the board.  | Steve Williams,
TRCP Policy Council Chair | Williams, the President of the Wildlife Management Institute and a TRCP Board Member since spring of 2005, holds both a doctorate in forest resources and a bachelor’s degree in environmental resource management from Pennsylvania State University, University Park, a master’s of science degreefrom the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks and has received many awards for his service on behalf of fish and wildlife. On becoming Policy Council Chairman, Williams said, “I am thrilled by this opportunity to work even more closely with an organization that effectively engages such a sizeable cross-section of the hunting, fishing and conservation community. I hope we will become even more adept at promoting sound policy for our initiatives.”
In response to Williams becoming Policy Council Chairman, George Cooper, TRCP President and CEO, said, “Steve brings with him absolutely unmatchable experience in managing fish and wildlife, and as Policy Council Chair his expertise will help set a successful course. We could not be happier to have him filling this vital role for the TRCP.”  | William P. Hite,
TRCP Board Member | Board member Edward Sullivan, President of the Building and Construction Trades Department, is stepping down after years of outstanding service to the TRCP. This vacancy will be filled by William P. Hite. Hite’s appointment to the Board of Directors will help to more fully integrate the voices of America’s union sportsmen into the TRCP. A third-generation UA member, Hite has belonged to the union for almost four decades. “The TRCP has proven to be attuned to the concerns of union sportsmen,” said Hite, “and their approach to conservation policymaking is quite innovative.” “We have been extremely lucky to create a working relationship with leading labor unions that has helped extend our reach while extending union benefits beyond the workplace to the woods and water,” said James D. Range, Chairman of the TRCP Board of Directors, “Bill’s involvement with the TRCP will help to create a stronger, more successful partnership.” | Back to Top | | Go to TRCP Home Page | - 2007 Farm Bill Heats Up
The 2007 Farm Bill continues to move on Capitol Hill, and in the last few weeks the public debate over this multi-billion dollar legislation has hit the mainstream with a splash. People across the country, from California to Washington and definitely those in between, are weighing in on what they want in the 2007 Farm Bill.  | Farmer Charles Barnes talks about the Conservation Reserve Program with NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster. Photo: Julie Sibbing | Last week the House Committee on Agriculture released a draft version of the bill that is scheduled for debate in full committee during this week. An anticipated vote by the entire House may come as soon as July 24. The TRCP and members of its Agriculture and Wildlife Working Group continue to work with legislators and their staff to encourage a strong conservation title that closely matches our Growing Conservation in the Farm Bill. Now is the time to make your voice heard by reiterating to your Congressperson the importance of the inclusion and proper funding of the conservation programs in the 2007 Farm Bill. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Arlen Lancaster, who played a role in developing the conservation title of the 2002 Farm Bill, recently spoke to several outdoor writers about the conservation programs contained within the Farm Bill at the farm of Charles Barnes in Craig County, VA. Chief Lancaster stressed the importance of these conservation programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP), which enable the implementation of critical conservation practices on private lands. As private lands make up two-thirds of our country’s total territory, successful conservation practices involving private land can make a tremendous impact. After Chief Lancaster spoke, conference attendees toured the Barnes family’s farm, seeing first hand the benefits to agriculture and fish and wildlife. The Farm Bill-focused afternoon, which also involved a panel led by TRCP’s Director of Communications Tim Zink, was part of the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s 2007 Conference. For more information about the Farm Bill please see our webpage. To contact your elected officials about the importance of conservation in the Farm Bill click here.
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- TRCP’s Life in the Open OUT WEST FOR YOUR BEST Contest Accepting Entries
 | Ken Barrett and Mark Pierce, host of Escape to the Wild Season 1, take a moment to snap a photo with their mule deer. | | Your chance to win an all-expenses-paid trophy mule deer hunt has arrived. We are now accepting entries for our OUT WEST FOR YOUR BEST contest. You tell us your best story from the field, and it could win you the trip of a lifetime. One lucky TRCP Partner will hunt some of the best mule deer country in the West with TRCP’s Life in the Open host Ken Barrett from December 3-7, 2007. Ken and the winner will be taped for an episode of TRCP’s Life in the Open to air in 2008. Submit your entry today. | For more information and your chance to win,
Click Here to download the entry form.
(Adobe PDF) | | Back to Top | | Go to TRCP Home Page | - TRCP Nashville Office Expands with Launch of USA
It took the talents of many people to prepare for the July launch of the TRCP’s Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. New hands were brought on in our Nashville office to help with this innovative endeavor. Through the hard work of our Nashville staff, new and old, the USA is successfully up and running. For more information visit the USA website. | | Tripp Allen, Website Manager, joined the TRCP in April 2007. He comes to the Partnership with a background in corporate communications and internet technology. He grew up on his family farm in Tennessee and received his M.A. from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. When not managing the TRCP and USA websites, Tripp especially enjoys freshwater fishing, horseback riding and paintball. |  | Michelle Blackwelder, Executive Assistant, started with the TRCP Union Sportsmen’s Alliance in May of 2007. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, she brings with her experience in both executive assistance and marketing for HGTV, R.W. Beck Engineering and Great American Country TV. Michelle has lived all over the country, but now makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two wonderful dogs. |  | Mike d’Oliveira, Director of Membership Marketing & Programs, came to the TRCP Union Sportsmen’s Alliance in April 2007. Prior to joining the TRCP, Mike founded a consulting firm that provided services to non-endemic businesses interested in marketing to outdoor enthusiasts, representing companies such as Home Depot, Sears and Anheuser-Busch. While currently residing in the Chicago area, he is quick to point out his Southern upbringing, which included plenty of time in the woods and on the water developing his passion and appreciation for the outdoors. Mike spends all his “available” time camping, fishing, hunting and traveling with his wife and four children. |  | Tony Dorris, Marketing Manager, started with the TRCP Union Sportsmen’s Alliance in May of 2007. Previously, he worked for advertising agencies as both art director and account executive. He earned his B.A. from Middle Tennessee State University. In his free time he enjoys crappie fishing with his father on Watts Bar Lake, fishing at the family cabin, working in his garden and spending time with his beautiful wife, Adele, adorable son, Lake, and bulldog, Elwood. When not spending time outside or with his family, Tony serves on the Special Events Committee at Springfield Baptist Church and contributes time and talents to The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation. |  |
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Updates from TRCP Partner Organizations - News from the National Conservation CommunityAmerican Sportfishing Association
Sportfishing and boating community honored supporter Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) at a reception on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Fishing and Boating Week celebrations which took place nationwide June 2-10. More>> |  | Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Preliminary data released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that Americans spent $120 billion on wildlife related recreation in 2006. More>> |  | BASS/ESPN Outdoors
The South Carolina Federation Nation is partnering with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the US Army Corps of Engineers to create a grassroots project to help native aquatic plants in Lake Hartwell. More>> |  | Boone and Crockett Club
The Boone and Crockett Club just held their 26th Big Game Awards in Fort Worth, TX. More>> |  | Coastal Conservation Association
A CCA lawsuit encourages reforms in the Gulf Council bycatch rules for shrimp fleet, helping the recovery of Red Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. More>> |  | Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited is pleased that preliminary reports from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service show increased breeding for ducks in 2007. More>> |  | Federation of Fly Fishers
Conclave 2007 in Livingston, MT is approaching. Pre-registration for the July 31st to August 4th event is now closed, but information about on-site registration and Conclave 2007 in general is available on the Federation of Fly Fishers’ website. More>> |  | Izaak Walton League of America
The Izaak Walton League of America supports a watershed restoration and education project located in central New York. More>> |  | Mule Deer Foundation
Volunteer for the Rocky Mountain Regional Work Weekend, July 21-22, 2007, and help restore mule deer habitat near Kremmling, Colo. More>> |  | The Nature Conservancy
In honor of World Ocean Day, June 8, the Nature Conservancy recommends 10 easy steps you can do to conserve the Earth’s oceans and coasts. More>> |  | Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever announces the creation of a national collaborative effort with the National FFA Organization to focus on building student leadership and instill a conservation ethic in young adults. More>> |  | Quail Forever
Residents from Macoupin County in Illinois have formed the state's 13th chapter of Quail Forever, to be known as the Otter Creek Chapter of QF. The chapter will work to create and restore quail and wildlife habitat conditions in the county. More>> |  | Quail Unlimited
Quail Unlimited is pleased to announce distinguished King Ranch Manager Stephen “Tio” Kleberg has joined the Quail Unlimited Board of Directors. More>> |  | Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited’s initial review indicates that thousands of miles of headwaters streams and thousands of acres of wetlands could lose protection under the Clean Water Act Jurisdiction Guidance recently released by the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA. More>> |  | Trust for Public Land
The Trust For Public Land praises the House Interior and Environment appropriations subcommittee and its Chairman, U.S. Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA), for increasing funds for key federal programs that protect the nation's wildlife, public lands and forest resources. More>> |  | Whitetails Unlimited
Whitetails Unlimited is pleased to announce its 2007 sponsorship of one of the country’s most exciting hunting TV shows, Whitetail Addictions. More>> |  | Wildlife Management Institute
WMI President Steve Williams participated in a panel presentation at the OWAA conference entitled “Can They Get Along? Addressing Conflicts Among Hunters, Anglers and Environmentalists.” The panel, made of hunters, anglers and environmentalists, discussed finding common ground among priorities that are divergent, yet overlapping. More>> |  | The Wildlife Society
Wildlife Policy News, Issue 3, is now available in pdf form online. More>> |  |
| Back to Top | | Go to TRCP Home Page | Grassroots Action
Recently we asked each of you to contact your representative about the importance of properly funding the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) in the 2007 Farm Bill. Thank you for the thousands of letters you sent to the members of the House of Representatives. If you have not yet contacted your congressperson about this issue, please take a minute to do so. Make sure he or she knows just how important these valuable conservation programs are. For more information, click here.
| Back to Top | | Go to TRCP Home Page | Featured Conservation LeaderThe TRCP prides itself on the quality and variety of its partners. While Major Brent Cummings might not fit the typical profile of our featured conservation leader, he is an excellent example of the kind of person we are thrilled to have as a partner. Major Brent Cummings’s Dream
By Ken Barrett, Host of TRCP’s Life in the Open  | Major Brent Cummings with a TRCP bumper-sticker in Baghdad. | Major Brent Cummings, a TRCP partner, is on active duty somewhere in an undisclosed and dangerous area of greater Baghdad When he’s not leading some of America’s finest young soldiers, he dreams of coming back home to his family and friends and going hunting with his black lab Tucker. I first met Brent, a graduate of Norwich University and career soldier last January. Just before he deployed for Iraq, he showed Howard Vincent, CEO of Pheasant and Quail Forever and TRCP Board Member, and me around Fort Riley, Kansas during a bobwhite hunt. Brent is one of those people you instantly take to; he is thoughtful, considerate, bright and articulate, just the kind of person I want representing my country both in times of war and times of peace. Of course, when you add the fact that he is a bona fide bird hunting fanatic, liking him was even easier. During our day afield he spoke glowingly of his wife and children, of the men he served and who served him and our country and bird hunting. He positively waxed poetic about hunting upland birds and said he could not wait to return from active duty to resume hunting with his dog Tucker. When I asked him if he’d like to come to Montana and hunt sharptail grouse, Hungarian partridge and waterfowl, he just smiled and said it was one of his dreams. So I told him TRCP’s Jim Range, George Cooper and I will make that dream come true when he gets back home. Major Cummings’ emails to me from Iraq speak of the challenges he and his soldiers are facing, but he never fails to mention his dreams of our upcoming hunt. Stay safe Major and come home soon. We can’t wait to show you some of the best bird hunting in the West. | Back to Top | | Go to TRCP Home Page | Bookshelf The Gigantic Book of Fishing Stories Edited by Nick Lyons
This colossal collection of fishing stories, edited by fishing author and publisher Nick Lyons, contains fiction, non-fiction and even poetry. If it swims and can be landed with a rod, line, and hook, it makes an appearance in the book, as do locations all over the world: the greatest rivers of Montana, Southern lakes, shores of all American coasts, and many more. Authored by a wide array of individuals, including the likes of Izaak Walton, John McPhee, Norman Maclean, Lord Byron, Rudyard Kipling and Dave Barry, these stories are bound to strike a chord with those who love to fish. As Ted Leeson said, “I doubt anyone knows more about fishing stories than Nick Lyons…This book will appeal to every kind of angler.” For more information, click here.
 The Best of All Seasons: Fifty Years as a Montana Hunter by Dan Aadland
Since first learning to handle a Winchester .22 as a kid, Dan Aadland has exulted in hunting, not as a sport but as a calling. In 15 essays that make up this book he takes readers to Montana’s prairies and mountains in search of antelope, whitetail deer, moose, and the occasional upland bird. Aadland vividly describes the rituals and camaraderie of hunting culture, illustrating his deep respect for wildlife and appreciation for the West. The Best of All Seasons depicts hunting as an essential part of the good life, suggesting that in modern times it still remains a fundamentally natural act. For more information, click here.
| Back to Top | | Go to TRCP Home Page | Photo GalleryCheck out How Your Fellow TRCP Partners Fared this SeasonWe need your photos. We are working to expand the photo gallery on our Web site and would love to include your photo. Please send the photo with information on how and where you got what’s in the shot. If we pick yours for our next newsletter, we’ll send you a TRCP hat too. Send photos to photos@trcp.org. Electronic photos only please.  | Greg Singleton shows off his catch on the Potomac just before releasing it back to the water. | View the rest of the TRCP Partner Photo gallery here. | Back to Top | | Go to TRCP Home Page | Roosevelt ReflectionsT.R.'s Public Lands
by Ken Barrett Last summer, TRCP Chairman Jim Range and I spent a day fishing for trout on a publicly accessible creek in Montana with Ted Roosevelt, great-grandson of Theodore Roosevelt. During a break in the action, we fell into a conversation about the conservation legacy and contributions of TR. When I mentioned TR had set aside 230 million acres of land for the public’s use and enjoyment, Ted looked at me and said, “He should have set aside even more!” His response was not a surprise. Ted did not fall far from his ancestral tree; he has a serious interest in the future of America, especially its lands and waters.  | | Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir on Glacier Point. | When TR began setting aside public lands at the turn of the 20th century there was a great deal of open space around nearly all of the nation’s cities and towns. There were less than a 100 million people in the United States, automobiles were a novelty and the first commercial airplane flights were still a generation away. Those 230 million acres were far away, hard to reach and each citizen could lay claim to share of 2.3 acres. In October 2006 our population surpassed 300 million. Those cherished vacant spaces next door, small woodlots, old abandoned apple orchards, swamps and bramble filled fields have largely disappeared. Commonplace just a generation ago, they have been replaced by something we call sprawl. Gone are thousands of little backyard grouse coverts, rabbit and squirrel woods, duck swamps, places that afforded easy access and good sport for millions of hunters and anglers. Today the great forest reserves, national parks and wildlife refuges that TR set aside are within easy reach of our cars and airplanes. With the current population each of us can claim three-quarters of an acre as our share of Theodore Roosevelt’s 230 million acres. Let’s fast forward fifty-years when our population will exceed 400 million, or one-hundred years from now when TR’s public lands will be 200 years old and the nation’s population may well exceed a half-billion. What will these lands be worth to the American people? What will they be worth to your children and great-grandchildren, the ones that you hope to leave your favorite shotgun, rifle and fishing rod? Each year I have the great privilege to hunt and fish on America’s public lands, the lands that you and I and every American own in common. This past year I hunted and fished for caribou, whitetail deer, pronghorn, upland birds, ducks, trout, salmon, bass, sturgeon and more on public lands and waters across the United States. Millions of other Americans did as well, and for many of us these are the last great places. While I also enjoy access to hunting and fishing on private lands, nothing quite provides me with the thrill and feeling I get from hunting or fishing on public lands, where every citizen can go. There is something quintessentially American about our public lands, perhaps because they represent freedom or because they are in TR’s words “democratic” in nature. His great-grandson wishes he had set aside more and so do I. As that cannot happen though, we best begin taking better care of what we have. The days of setting aside great expanses of public lands are over, and you can bet your bottom dollar improving protection our public lands is what Teddy would ask us to do today. | Back to Top | | Go to TRCP Home Page | |
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