URGE YOUR U.S. REPRSENTATIVE TO INCREASE NWRS FUNDING

Problem:
The funding crisis facing the National Wildlife Refuge System is reaching a tipping point. Visitor's services are being curtailed at some refuges and many refuges are being de-staffed completely. But Congress can help - but they'll only do so if they hear from their constituents - YOU!

Solution:
Members of the House National Wildlife Refuge Caucus, Representatives RonKind (D-WI), Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Michael Castle (R-DE) are sending a letter to the House Interior and Environment appropriations subcommittee urging them to increase funding for the NWRS to $451.5 million for FY'08. This funding level will stabilize losses of staffing and programs so vital to ensuring the Refuge System's wildlife conservation mission. Without support from fellow members of Congress, the appropriators have little incentive to increase the budget on their own!

Action Needed:
Urge your U.S. Representative to sign onto the letter to House Interior & Environment appropriators currently being circulated. Your action is needed NOW - the deadline for signers is TUESDAY, MARCH 13TH!!

An easy way to send a letter to your U.S. Representative is to go to: http://www.refugenet.org/
then click on Refuge Action Network, then click on first news item.

You can follow up with a quick phone call to your Representative's office by calling the Capitol Switchboard at: 202-224-3121.

Please take action by Tuesday, March 13, 2007.