Everyone is working hard. Your networking has resulted in over 7,000 signatures on the petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/protect-research-bears-from-hunters-in-minnesota/ and some of the comments you are leaving there are being passed on to officials. When we first approved the petition we thought we could get 3,000 signatures, but once again you have surprised us! Interest in this petition is so high is has gotten the attention of the Care2 petition site and is considered ‘Hot!’
Team Protect is putting things together masterfully, working behind the scenes with Sue Mansfield to help things happen.
You are writing wonderful letters. Hunters are saying that if a hunter can’t see a bear well enough to see these ribbons, the hunter shouldn’t be shooting. Teachers are telling what the radio-collared bears mean to their students and are asking what they should say to the students when the bears are shot? An example is from Dana Coleman who teaches first grade in Andover, MN. She listed some names of officials and wrote,
“This group of officials does not see the importance of the long-term study of bears. Which one of you will then help me explain to my 23 first graders why one of the bears, that they have watched and read about daily, was shot and killed? The bears have grown up right before their eyes. They have discussed and wondered about the most deep and heartfelt issues any young 7 year old could possibly think about regarding these bears. They have learned interesting and valuable information in a way that no textbook could ever instill. Because of this group of bears, the den cam, and the daily research updates, my first graders and now their families have an enthusiastic curiosity in science, biology, nature, with a strong interest in our environment. This is a wonderful way to foster lifelong learning, yet a sad way to teach them the harsh realities of our political bureaucracy. Commissioner Tom Landwehr, the quote at the bottom of your email says, "Take a child outdoors today!” I do every day in my classroom. “
With Dana’s permission, we sent her words on to the St Paul Pioneer Press where Elizabeth Mohr is writing an article for the Sunday paper. We don’t know if we got it there in time for her to see it, though.
At Channel 6 in Duluth, David Hoole is working on a news piece for the Northland’s News Center evening news at 6 and 10 PM.
We added a couple of officials to the list of people who need letters. Here’s who they all are and why.
Senator Bakk is the senator from the study area. Without him, we don’t have much of a chance. He needs to know the importance of these bears, especially from his constituents.
State Office Building, Room 147
St Paul, MN 55155-1206
651-296-8881
Representative Dill is the representative from the study area. He is on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee where the bill would be introduced. Without his support, nothing happens. He knows the importance of these bears and especially wants to hear it from his constituents.
Representative McNamara is Chairman of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee where the bill would be introduced. Without his support, the bill is not heard. He needs to know the importance of these bears. He said that without a strong public outcry he wouldn’t be interested.
Senator Ingebrigtsen is Chaiman of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee where the bill would be introduced for the senate. Without his support, the bill is not heard. He needs to know the importance of these bears and that a lot of people care.
Representative Kahn is on board. She wants copies of your letters so she can show them to representatives and senators she talks to for support.
Commissioner Landwehr is stuck with having made a bad decision despite overwhelming reasons to protect these bears for the broad public. We believe Minnesota’s bears belong to all Minnesotans, not just a narrow interest, and that these radio-collared bears have values to the world and the scientific community. Will your letters lead him to reconsider? Will they lead him to not oppose legislation?
Governor Dayton left the initial decision to the commissioner. Will your letters lead him to consider broader values? We can only try, and keep trying.
Short letters can also be submitted as 'Letters to the Editor' to the news papers on this list http://www.bear.org/website/images/stories/Documents/Minnesota_Media_Contacts.pdf
This video gives a sample of what we are fighting for http://ww
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center