AMENDMENT TO CUT PREDATOR CONTROL PROGRAMS: An editorial in the 5/24 Tulsa World called on the House of Representatives to cut funding for the federal Wildlife Services program. Formerly known as Animal Damage Control, the agency is responsible for killing up to 100,000 animals a year including foxes, coyotes, bobcats and other animals to protect livestock. On Tuesday the House will consider an amendment to the FY 2000 Agriculture appropriations bill offered by Reps. Pete DeFazio (D-OR) and Charles Bass (R-NH) to restrict funding for the program. Caroline Kennedy of Defenders of Wildlife said, "To continue funding this program doesn't make any sense. Any way you look at it, fiscally, biologically, ethically, it doesn't pass the test."

PLAN SIGNED FOR MT CLEAN-UP: The 5/22 Billings Gazette reported the federal government and the state of Montana signed an agreement to work together to clean up Montana watersheds polluted by abandoned mines. As a result, the state Dept. of Environmental Quality, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service will develop a list of priority sites and share resources. The three agencies list over 600 abandoned mines in the state that are in need of clean-up.

REPORT PANS FISH HATCHERIES: The Oregonian 5/19 reported the Northwest Power Planning Council recommended cutting funds to Columbia River fish hatcheries unless they take steps to aid declining salmon and steelhead. Scientists say hatchery bred fish reduce the genetic quality of the species. Conservationists praised the recommendations and said Congress should step in to demand reforms. Jim Myron of Oregon Trout said, "If we leave the decisions...with fish and wildlife agencies, they'll continue to drag their feet as long as they can."

GENETICALLY ALTERED CROP HARMS MONARCHS: The Washington Post 5/20 reported scientists discovered that pollen from genetically altered corn poses a threat to the monarch butterfly. The corn contains a bacteria (Bt) that kills insect species that damage corn crops. Scientists found corn pollen blown onto milkweed plants killed 44% of monarch larvae. Many are worried because Bt corn accounts for 25% of the U.S. corn crop and is focused largely along the butterfly's migration route throughout the Midwest. Several scientists expressed concern because the insects are also threatened by illegal logging in their winter habitat in Mexico.

TEA TIME DEADLY FOR PRAIRIE DOGS: The 5/19 Boulder Daily Camera reported environmentalists found the Celestial Seasonings tea company is poisoning prairie dogs on its property. Company CEO Steve Hughes said the measures protect the "health and safety of company employees." The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering listing the species under the Endangered Species Act.

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