News Release - 04/30/07

Rep. Olver Awarded for Efforts to Include Wildlife in Climate Change Legislation

Washington, DC (April 30, 2007)- Rep. John Olver (D-MA) was presented with an award from the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition for his leadership in championing federal funding for wildlife in the Climate Stewardship Act of 2007. H.R. 620, co-sponsored by Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), recognizes that f ish and wildlife face a mounting threat from global warming and provides state fish and wildlife agencies with funding to create healthier, more robust wildlife populations and habitats that will be better able to adapt to climate change as an additional stress.

"As a scientist, I can confidently say that climate change is among the greatest threats to our nation's fish and wildlife," said Rep. Olver. "The global warming policy dialogue must remain focused on sound science, including its effects on fish and wildlife as well as their habitat. Facing an uncertain future, we can best address the impacts of global warming on fish and wildlife by conserving habitats and maintaining healthy, genetically diverse populations."

Biologists predict that impacts from climate change will have a broad effect on fish and wildlife well into the future. Alteration of habitat, disruption to migratory patterns, changes in predator-prey interactions, and the spread of invasive species and wildlife diseases represent a few of the ways in which climate change will disrupt fish and wildlife populations. These pressures, when coupled with other challenges like pollution and urban sprawl, increase the need to take proactive measures to ensure the survival of wildlife and natural areas. But with limited funding, state fish and wildlife agencies are struggling to help wildlife now, before it's too late .

"A permanent, stable and adequate funding source to enhance annual appropriations is essential to help state agencies manage fish and wildlife as they are affected by global warming," said Naomi Edelson , Director of the Teaming with Wildlife Program for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. "We are grateful that Congressman Olver recognizes the need to take action to help wildlife cope with climate change."

The award was presented by the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition for Congressman Olver's "exceptional leadership in advocating state wildlife conservation funding" and "commitment to America 's wildlife (that) will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come." The Teaming with Wildlife Coalition is comprised of over 5,000 organizations, including over 150 organizations from Massachusetts, that include wildlife biologists, hunters & anglers, birdwatchers, hikers, nature-based businesses and other conservationists. The coalition advocates for new and greater to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.

"I work with many of the conservation organizations that are part of the Massachusetts Teaming with Wildlife Coalition and am honored to receive this award," said Congressman Olver. "As climate legislation moves forward, it is good to know that such a large and diverse coalition is working to ensure that Massachusetts ' wildlife will be conserved for future generations to enjoy."

To lean more about the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition, visit www.teaming.com and www.wildlifeactionplans.org .

Representatives of the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition present Congressman John Olver (D-MA) with and award for his "exceptional leadership in advocating state wildlife conservation funding" and "commitment to America 's wildlife that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come."

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The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies -the organization that represents all of North America's fish and wildlife agencies-promotes sound management and conservation, and speaks with a unified voice on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.org .

us , Public Affairs
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
202/624-7890
rbrittin@fishwildilfe.org

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