It’s been a very busy Earth Month for our WI Chapter Sierra Club Wildlife team! Here is a quick summary of how our team of volunteers showed up for Earth Month and Wisconsin’s wildlife last month. This is Part 2 of our Earth Month Round-Up blog series. You can find Part 1 (covering non-Wildlife Team actions and events) here.
International Beaver Day, April 7th
The Wildlife Team created a social media blitz on beavers as a keystone species for International Beaver Day. They also wrote letters to the editor all over the state, spreading the word about the importance of beavers and their critical role in the ecosystem. Here is one example from the Cap Times.
Book Club, April 8th
The Wildlife Team hosted our Chapter Book club discussion on The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The book teaches lessons on how to live in a way that honors the earth, suggesting we can learn from the serviceberry's generosity to create a more sustainable and joyful existence.
Natural Resource Board Meeting on April 15th
With the Beaver Management Plan Committee process wrapped up, we have been advocating for science-based natural resource management for beavers to the Board responsible for approving the new management plan later this year. During our three-minute comment at this meeting, we issued a powerful statement asking the DNR to rethink their approach to managing beavers in our state. We urged a pause on the program that kills beavers for the stated purpose of protecting coldwater fisheries, since extensive scientific research demonstrates that beaver ponds enhance habitat and survival for juvenile brook trout, and no public entity supports this program.
Wisconsin Conservation Congress
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress process again took place April 13-15 and we helped create a voting guide and promoted participation - especially in supporting the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Fund to be reinstated with proper funding! Thankfully, there was a strong show of support for continuing the program across the state. You can view the results here.
Protecting the Endangered Species Act
On Earth Day, April 22, through our grassroots efforts, we had a win for endangered species in Washington! By sounding the alarm for people to contact Congressional Representatives, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was protected from legislation looking to weaken its protections that help save species that need it the most. This win follows a huge court victory at the end of March. The fight isn't over. In early April, we find a lawsuit following an illegal decision by the Trump Administration to exempt all oil and gas activities from the ESA.
Bird and Nature Festival on April 26th
Wildlife Team members highlighted beavers in Madison during a popular in-person event. Volunteers had about 200 people stop by the table featuring tons of cool beaver-themed activities and crafts for kids, along with leading a beaver trivia breakout session.
Governor’s Fishing Opener in Hayward on May 2
Wildlife Team members were onsite tabling at this popular event, strategically located where people were fishing and spreading information for nonlead alternatives for anglers. Volunteers provided info, packets of nonlead sinkers, coloring sheets and copies of the Get the Lead Out! toolkit for people who want to help get the lead out, and even loon temporary tattoos. We also issued a press release, wrote LTEs, and even got a shout-out in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for our efforts!
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