Monday, July 21, 2008

No Child Left Inside Coalition Reaches 500 Members

Today, the No Child Left Inside Coalition attracted its 500th member organization to help improve environmental educationby pushing for the No Child Left Inside Act.

The NCLI Coalition was formed only 18 months ago. Today, NCLI member organizations, including the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, represent more than 22 million Americans. These groups are focused on a variety of areas – the environment, education, outdoor recreation, businesses, public health and science. While they have different interests, they share a commitment to improving how we teach kids about their natural world.

This milestone comes at a critical time—the full House of Representatives is expected to vote on the No Child Left Inside Act of 2008 next week.

To view a complete list of members or to find out more about the No Child Left Inside Act, visit www.NCLICoalition.org.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Looking for New Teaming with Wildlife Program Associate


The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is seeking a Teaming with Wildlife Program Associate to support state fish and wildlife agencies in outreach and implementation initiatives for state wildlife action plans and other wildlife diversity conservation initiatives.


Responsibilities include developing and carrying out outreach activities, working with diverse partners to build support for the state wildlife action plans, assisting with management of the State Wildlife Grants Program, and promoting concrete collaborative opportunities, including federal agency engagement. In addition, the Program Associate will provide assistance to the Teaming with Wildlife Director in legislative outreach and advocacy activities necessary to secure funding for state wildlife action plans. The Program Associate reports to the Teaming with Wildlife Director and works closely with other Association staff to integrate state wildlife action plans into all areas of the Association’s work.


Masters degree in natural resources, planning, public policy, or a closely related field and two (2) or more years relevant experience. Experience with wildlife conservation issues strongly preferred. Experience in a state fish and wildlife agency a plus. The application deadline is August 8, 2008.


Visit the Careers page on our website for a full position description and application information. No calls please.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Bald Eagles Thriving Throughout Pennsylvania

The bald eagle continues to supplant its recent - and remarkable - nesting successes with new records, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. And from all indications, this raptor isn't done making headlines.

"The bald eagle's ascension from its perilous past is an inspiration to all who care about environmental reform and wild Pennsylvania," explained Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. "These birds are living proof that responsible natural resource management and conservation make Pennsylvania a better place to live and ensure wildlife will be around for future generations to enjoy."

"It's fitting that news about the continuing triumphs of bald eagles have graced our headlines over the Fourth of July for the past several years. As our nation's symbol, their presence is essential in America's outdoors. They immediately add a touch of class and true wilderness to any area they inhabit, whether it's on the outskirts of Philadelphia or a remote stretch of the Lake Erie shoreline."

This spring, bald eagles are known to be nesting in at least 47 of the state's 67 counties. Their tally of nests is expected to exceed 140 nests. In June 2007, biologists estimated Pennsylvania had 120 known nests in 42 counties. The final count of those nests turned out to be 132, and they produced more than 150 eaglets.

As recently as 1983, there were only three eagle nests remaining in Pennsylvania. That year, the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle reintroduction program in which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests. The Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund provided financial assistance for this effort. In all, 88 Canadian bald eagles were released from sites located at Dauphin County's Haldeman Island and Pike County's Shohola Falls.

"What's happening in Pennsylvania is also happening in many other states," noted Doug Gross, Game Commission ornithologist. "Bald eagles are thriving in Ohio and New York, and, of course, in Maryland, where more than 400 pairs have been documented. Some states with extensive big-water resources, such as Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin, have more than a 1,000 pairs each.