National News

Wildlife Advocates Fear Trump Administration Is De-Clawing Endangered Species Act. “The marbled murrelet is a small seabird whose diminutive size belies a fierce imperative to survive. It soars over the waters of the northern Pacific Ocean, but will fly as far as 50 miles inland to nest in the old growth forests of Washington, Oregon and California. Below, the western pond turtle, with its low and broad carapace, paddles in the placid waters of lakes, rivers and streams. But both are in danger of disappearing as logging gradually destroys the old forest canopy, and pollution, predators and development foul water habitats. Adding them to the Endangered Species Act has been a way to forestall the decline of animals and plants imperiled in an increasingly unforgiving environment. But the law that has been a bulwark against wildlife extinction for more than four decades could be undergoing changes that advocates worry will weaken its protections.” [Bellingham Herald, 8/31/18 (=)]