Jeff-Widgnwhacker-Wallis
04-24-2006, 10:07 PM
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2006 Wetlands and Clear Water Rally April 22nd, 2006
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“Sportsmen, environmentalists and other concerned citizens are united in their desire to put an end to this crisis.”
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/8216/ryanandheather35bh.jpg
Avery Pro-Staffers Ryan Barthel and Heather Reddemann participated in the 2006 Wetlands and Clean Water Rally at the State Capital in St.Paul, Minnesota. Not only is this day set aside to honor Earth Day but it is also a day where thousand’s of Minnesota citizens came together to voice many opinions with one future goal in mind.
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1922/rallycrowd22tt.jpg
There were over 40 different conservation organizations that came together with several sponsors supporting this great effort to support and fight for our natural resources and traditions for our future generations to come.
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/9197/youngchildanddad35eb.jpg
The day also included a youth and adult duck and goose calling contest, silent auction, wood duck and blue bird box building, several exhibits and some good food. The weather started out a bit cold but warmed up once the sun came out behind the clouds. It was great to look through the crowds of people wearing camo and Avery gear. In addition, Barthel participated in the two-man duck and goose calling competition.
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2410/ryancallingcontest39vh.jpg
There were three main goals for this year’s rally, to secure legislation for a constitutional amendment for dedicated funding for natural resources and get it on the November ballot; provide information to rally attendees about dedicated funding and many other important conservation efforts and give them a chance to meet their legislators; and, offer a fun-filled day at the Capitol for the family.
In addition, this year’s rally was dedicated to Art Hawkins, a well-known waterfowl management pioneer and conservationist who passed away on March 9, 2006, at the age of 92. Hawkins was perhaps the last living graduate student of conservation father, Aldo Leopold. Also, U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, R-Minn., also spoke about his efforts to secure authorization of the Wetlands Loan Act and what it means for waterfowl in Minnesota. Some other speaker’s included, Jared Brown, co-host of Ducks Unlimited TV and Minnesota Govenor, Tim Pawlenty.
It is vital that we make a difference today and let our legislative understand how much Minnesota values it’s abundant and diverse natural resources and wildlife. It was great to see a day when all the supporters of hunting and the great outdoors can come together and let everyone know how serious and important these issues are at hand.
Some Interesting Yet Disturbing Facts on Minnesota Wetlands.
*More than 50% of the original 18.6 million acres of wetlands that once existed in the state have disappeared; losses continue today.
In some areas of Minnesota up to 90% of wetlands have been lost.
*A DNR statement stressed that of the 5,000 remaining shallow water wetlands in some parts of Minnesota, 50% have poor habitat for ducks.
*Minnesota has lost 99% of its original native prairie grasslands.
*Minnesota duck hunters are seeing and harvesting up to 60% less ducks then in the 1970's, such as the rally's poster bird the Blue Bill (Lesser Scaup).
*From 2001 – 2007 Minnesota state expenditures on restoring, protecting and preserving our Natural Resources, and outdoor heritage has fallen by 16 percent.
2006 Wetlands and Clear Water Rally April 22nd, 2006
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2641/littlegirlsignanddad3zy.jpg
“Sportsmen, environmentalists and other concerned citizens are united in their desire to put an end to this crisis.”
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/8216/ryanandheather35bh.jpg
Avery Pro-Staffers Ryan Barthel and Heather Reddemann participated in the 2006 Wetlands and Clean Water Rally at the State Capital in St.Paul, Minnesota. Not only is this day set aside to honor Earth Day but it is also a day where thousand’s of Minnesota citizens came together to voice many opinions with one future goal in mind.
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1922/rallycrowd22tt.jpg
There were over 40 different conservation organizations that came together with several sponsors supporting this great effort to support and fight for our natural resources and traditions for our future generations to come.
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/9197/youngchildanddad35eb.jpg
The day also included a youth and adult duck and goose calling contest, silent auction, wood duck and blue bird box building, several exhibits and some good food. The weather started out a bit cold but warmed up once the sun came out behind the clouds. It was great to look through the crowds of people wearing camo and Avery gear. In addition, Barthel participated in the two-man duck and goose calling competition.
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2410/ryancallingcontest39vh.jpg
There were three main goals for this year’s rally, to secure legislation for a constitutional amendment for dedicated funding for natural resources and get it on the November ballot; provide information to rally attendees about dedicated funding and many other important conservation efforts and give them a chance to meet their legislators; and, offer a fun-filled day at the Capitol for the family.
In addition, this year’s rally was dedicated to Art Hawkins, a well-known waterfowl management pioneer and conservationist who passed away on March 9, 2006, at the age of 92. Hawkins was perhaps the last living graduate student of conservation father, Aldo Leopold. Also, U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, R-Minn., also spoke about his efforts to secure authorization of the Wetlands Loan Act and what it means for waterfowl in Minnesota. Some other speaker’s included, Jared Brown, co-host of Ducks Unlimited TV and Minnesota Govenor, Tim Pawlenty.
It is vital that we make a difference today and let our legislative understand how much Minnesota values it’s abundant and diverse natural resources and wildlife. It was great to see a day when all the supporters of hunting and the great outdoors can come together and let everyone know how serious and important these issues are at hand.
Some Interesting Yet Disturbing Facts on Minnesota Wetlands.
*More than 50% of the original 18.6 million acres of wetlands that once existed in the state have disappeared; losses continue today.
In some areas of Minnesota up to 90% of wetlands have been lost.
*A DNR statement stressed that of the 5,000 remaining shallow water wetlands in some parts of Minnesota, 50% have poor habitat for ducks.
*Minnesota has lost 99% of its original native prairie grasslands.
*Minnesota duck hunters are seeing and harvesting up to 60% less ducks then in the 1970's, such as the rally's poster bird the Blue Bill (Lesser Scaup).
*From 2001 – 2007 Minnesota state expenditures on restoring, protecting and preserving our Natural Resources, and outdoor heritage has fallen by 16 percent.