Dear friends of wildlife,

We normally don't send so many email alerts, but we're facing such a huge threat from the trapping community that we have to share information as we receive it.

The Fish & Wildlife Department and Board has collectively received hundreds of emails from our supporters (you!) asking that they deny the trapper's request to expand bobcat and otter trapping seasons. The question is, will they listen? The Department lists these two animals as species of greatest conservation need due to new threats that face the future of their populations. Adding more trapping pressure on these animals is not only gravely irresponsible, but would suggest a clear bias towards trapping interests.

Your attendance at Wednesday's Fish & Wildlife Board meeting is so important.

We heard back from approximately 20 of you that you will be joining us this Wednesday September 21st at 5pm at 1051 Buck Lake Rd, Conservation Camp in Woodbury and we thank you.

We ask that those who have not RSVPed, please consider joining us on this day to show support for these cherished animals who are at the mercy of special interests. The Fish & Wildlife Board normally holds their monthly meetings at a convenient location in Montpelier right off the exit, so let's not let this remote meeting stop us.

If you need a ride please contact me. My car has room for one more and maybe we can get another car pool together.

We will meet outside of the building near the picnic pavilion - I will be there at 4:30 to greet you and I'd like all of us to walk into the room together to show unity for our bobcats and otters. At the meeting, you'll listen in on my brief testimony to the Board and also the Department's response to the petition. Before the Board makes a vote, you'll be able to provide a 1-minute comment (time limitation imposed by Board) if you wish. You can simply say, "I oppose this trapping petition" and feel free to add any additional comments. You can read some suggested bullets here.

Our neighboring state of New Hampshire has maintained a complete ban on a bobcat season - no hunting, hounding or trapping, but here we are in Vermont facing additional trapping pressure on an already vulnerable species.

If ever there was a time for you to act, it is now. So much is at stake.

We cannot do it alone.

Thanks,
Lark Shields