mpfaffko's blog

Senate Introduces Bill to Protect Migratory Songbirds

Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced a bill that would increase funding for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act.  Neotropical migratory songbirds are birds that breed in North Ameri

VA HOT lanes harm swallows & gnatcatchers

The National Audubon Society and the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club lost their appeal to delay constru

Conjoined Barn Swallows Discovered

A set of conjoined Barn Swallows were discovered in Searcy, Arkansas on 17 July 2008.  They w

Takoma Park Takes Action Against Cruelty to Birds

Takoma Park City Council passed a resolution banning the production of foie gras in an effort to help prevent cru

Everglades wildfire threatens endangered sparrow

Wildfires are sweeping across the East Everglades, burning up the scrublands that are the only home to the endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow.  Winds blew the blazes across 10,000 acres of Everglades National Park, reaching two nesting grounds for the sparrow.  One of the world’s rarest birds, only about 3,000 individuals remain and they nest on marl prairies which are dry and particularly susectible to fire and slow to recover from burns.

Polar Bears Listed As Threatened Under Endgangered Species Act

The Polar Bear is now listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made the announcement yesterday, 14 May 2008, with the disclaimer that the decision should not be “misused” to regulate global warming.

Maryland Considering Banning Plastic Bags

It was a great way to start the morning today when I turned on the news to a story that the entire state of Maryland is considering a total ban on plastic bags!  The legislation is sponsored by Delegate Todd Schuler (D) and has bipartisan support with more than 20 cosponsors. 

And, on February 25, the Annapolis City Council voted to cut plastic bag distribution by major grocery and drugstore chains by 40%.  The chains have been given until May 31, 2009 to reach the target.  Mayor Ellen Moyer (D) is distributing several thousand cloth bags to citizens to encourage the use of reusable bags.


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