Dying Ducks Get MT’s Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge on “At Risk” List
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Big Timber, MT – Stopping for a dip and a sip can be deadly for migratory birds in Montana, according to a new report from Defenders of Wildlife. The report says the Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge in central Montana is getting more and more polluted each year. It can spread illnesses among the thousands of species of birds that stop there, and may also affect human health as the contamination spreads. Noah Matson with Defenders of Wildlife says Hailstone is one of the top 10 refuges at risk nationwide.
"Activities outside the refuge boundary are causing the water quality in the refuge to deteriorate to the point where ducks are simply dying, because of salt and selenium in the water."
Matson says the salt and selenium likely come from nearby agriculture, although critics insist the minerals are concentrating naturally. Matson says agricultural runoff pollutes wetlands and refuges in other parts of the country, too -- and when problems are discovered, refuge managers can work with nearby farmers and ranchers to prevent pollution. Federal budget and staff cutbacks in the National Wildlife Refuge system may make that more difficult at Hailstone.
"What we're really hoping is that, by raising awareness of the issue, the Fish and Wildlife Service will make it a priority to fix the problem."
To see the full report, "Refuges at Risk," visit www.defenders.org.
get more stories like this via email
Social Issues
By Lane Wendell Fischer for the Shasta Scout via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service for the Public News …
Environment
By Naoki Nitta for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public Ne…
Social Issues
Concerns about potential voter intimidation have spurred several states to consider banning firearms at polling sites but so far, New Hampshire is …
Social Issues
Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has released 57 "interim charges," the topics he wants Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th …
Social Issues
Minnesota's largest school district is at the center of a budget controversy tied to the recent wave of school board candidates fighting diversity pro…
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a measure which would force employers to properly classify certain trade union workers and others as employees rat…