Monday, June 11, 2012

The Gathering Gloom -- Time for Voice and Action is Now

Photo:  "Mama goose" at the Boat Lake in Central Park.  But, will this gentle, senior goose and her devoted mate, Papa be free to live out the last of their days in the park that has been home to them for so many years?  Not if the city, USDA and other agencies have their way.) 
 
Time is drawing very short for commentary to the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement issued from APHIS more than a month ago:
 
 
Comments are due by this Wednesday (the 13th) and at this point should be faxed.
 
It is critically important that all those concerned about and opposed to proposed goose culls in New York City, express those views in writing within the next two days.  Complaining about animal massacres after the fact is of little consequence and help.  One need not write long and detailed commentary if not so inclined. However, one should carefully read the proposals in the document and respond accordingly and appropriately.   The EIS in and of itself, neither mandates nor plans for specific Canada goose culls in New York City.  Rather, it provides the umbrella for the culls to occur throughout the city's five boroughs. 
 
Final permission and allowance however has to come from local jurisdictions and property owners. 
 
It is therefore vital over the coming weeks to be in communication with local park and golf course leaderships and other officials to let them know, both awareness of the EIS and opposition to any planned goose roundups and killings.   Moreover, it should be the right of the public to be properly informed of potential goose roundups to occur.  The days of clandestine operations that fail to alert local residents of wildlife roundups in public areas need to go the way of prohibition.   People should have the right to enjoy nature and wildlife in public parks without the fear that it will mysteriously and deliberately vanish overnight with little if any warning.
 
It is sadly not enough these days to simply and peacefully appreciate and enjoy geese and other wildlife in our parks.   One also has to be willing to speak up to defend them.
 
We are now nearly in the middle of June.  Some geese are already starting to molt and in just a couple of weeks, all will be "sitting ducks" literally for further and threatened USDA roundups throughout New York City parks.  
 
If you have not already clicked "like"  to Goosewatch, NYC, please do so today (27) GooseWatch NYC , but most important at this time is to immediately write comment to SEIS and begin to make calls to NYC politicians, officials and park leaderships.   -- PCA 
 
 
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