Gov. Chet Culver can't be serious.
The new governor's first budget
proposes funding of a measly $11 million for the state's premier
outdoor-resources program, instead of the authorized level of $20 million. When
questioned about it, his spokesman told the Register the governor is "optimistic
that we can eventually get up to that level."
"Eventually" is
unacceptable when it comes to funding the Iowa outdoors.
Tucson, Ariz. - For five years or more, proponents have said the promise
of making ethanol from biomass crops such as switchgrass and hybrid trees was
just around the corner.
Brasher: USDA reduces payment for wetland reserve land
varUsername = "[log in to unmask]";document.write("By PHILIP BRASHER");
By
PHILIP BRASHER
REGISTER WASHINGTON BUREAU
February 25, 2007
Washington, D.C. - President Bush has a goal of restoring and improving 3
million acres of wetlands by early 2009, a goal that will benefit wildlife as
well as enhance water quality.
The key to doing that is a U.S.
Agriculture Department program that buys easements on low-lying farmland and
then helps pay all or part of turning the acreage back into wetlands. The
wetlands provide valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife, control flooding
and cleanse contaminants from groundwater.
No good reason to kill doves
A recent letter-writer is wrong about legislation to open a new
target-shooting season on mourning doves ("Get Real and Sign the Dove-Hunting
Bill," Feb. 15). There is no good reason to change Iowa's 89-year tradition of
protecting these gentle, backyard songbirds.
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/OPINION04/702260308/1035/OPINION
In a Feb. 18 article, "Iowans Urged To Share Views on Dove Hunting," Mary
Brubaker states that doves are not a true game bird and they are "often only
used for target practice." Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the
mourning dove is the most hunted and prolific game bird in North America; the
annual harvest is only a small fraction of the total annual mortality of the
species.
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/OPINION04/702260307/1035/OPINION