Well folks, our illustrious Gov., Pete "if corporate wants it, corporate
gets it" Wilson just signed six bills that amount to a large (in my opinion)
blow against the endangered species act. Below is the text from our local
paper, The Santa Cruz Sentinel. You'll notice that although there is
mention of environmental groups, there is no comment from anyone on the
environmental side. After you read this, you'll see what I mean by this
next comment: Methinks there will be a sudden increase in "accidental
wildlife kills" in the near future. And to think they are penalizing Native
Americans for possessing eagle feathers.......

>From The Sentinel Sept. 27, 1997........

"Calling a package of legislation "much-needed common sense," Gov. Pete
Wilson on Friday signed six bills that would benefit farmers and developers
and soften some provisions of California's Endangered Species Act. Flanked
by state senators and assemblymen at City Hall, Wilson signed the
legislation, calling it the result of years of negotiations between
environmentalists, farmers and developers.

The new statutes allow builders, farmers and others to harm wildlife or the
environment without being penalized as long as they do so inadvertently and
agreed to repair damage or improve habitat elsewhere. "These bills
together, I think, are the answer that's been long needed," Wilson said. "I
sign these reforms to end such unfairness and restore much-needed common
sense to a law that at times bordered on nonsense, except that it's not been
very funny to those who had to bear its costs."

The Endangered Species Act has been the state's main wildlife protection law
and was intended to preserve natural habitats from such encroachments as
development. The act has been targeted by developers and farmers, who
contend the statute unfairly restricts their livelihoods and is consistently
enforced.

"I think this Endangerment Species bill demonstrates the fight to protect
jobs and our economy," said state Sen. Jim Costa, D-Fresno. "(And it) can be
compatible with our efforts to save our environment." Under Costa's bill,
farmers who agree to manage their land to encourage habitat for protected
species would be relieved from criminal liability if routine farming
activities result in harming or killing endangered or threatened species.

Some agriculture agencies applauded the governor for signing the bills.
"California farmers have finally realized relief from the onerous and
counterproductive restrictions of the state law," said Bob L. Vice,
president of the California Farm Bureau Federation. "This legislation
provides incentives to make farmers a partner in helping wildlife and
enhancing habitat."

Other effects of the signed bills include:

1. Allowing so-called "incidental taking" the accidental killing of animals
by farmers and builders in the course of their work.

2. Preventing the state from forcing developers to restore more habitat
than they had destroyed and making the state responsible for any additional
restoration efforts

3. Eliminating double penalties form the state and federal government for
violations.

4. Requiring the state Department of Fish & Game to coordinate with the
federal government in preserving endangered species and their habitats."
Ben & Peggi Rodgers
Aptos, CA (near Santa Cruz 122 W, 37 N)
USA
woodduck at cruzio.com
http://www2.cruzio.com/~woodduck/


"A bird does not sing because it has an answer,
It sings because it has a song"