by Norm (Skip) Trask, Legislative Liaison for Maine Trappers Association

The lawsuit threatening to ban many of our trapping privileges is over! The results couldn’t be better. In mid-November, Judge Woodcock handed down his long-awaited decision. He ruled in favor of the defendant and defendant interveners and against the plaintiffs.

The six-day trial ended in late June. More than four months later, after the judge was able to allocate the time necessary to thoroughly review and consider what he termed the \”exhaustive testimonial and documentary evidence\” presented during trial, he issued his 28-page ruling. In a nutshell, he found that the small number of lynx taken incidentally by trappers does not pose a threat to the lynx population.

Obsessive Behavior Displayed By Activists

To those of us who work hard to protect our trapping heritage, it’s no secret that many of the animal rightists are obsessed with destroying the lifestyle that we love. If I didn’t detest what they are trying to do, I might even feel sorry for them. It’s interesting just to sit back and observe them. They seldom smile. Whenever they speak in public, just about everything they say focuses on the negative. I find it impossible to relate to people whose only satisfaction in life comes from making others angry or unhappy. It must be a terrible way to live! Their obsession to put trappers out of business came through loud and clear during this lawsuit. Did it help us win? Probably not. I believe that the judge made his decision strictly on the basis of the evidence that was presented. He also went the extra mile to make sure that his decision would be upheld in an appeal. At the same time, I think the judge liked us a lot better than he did those who were trying to destroy us. It’s easy to see why!

When the trial ended in late June, the judge indicated that he………READ ON

via forum.trapperpredatorcaller.com

An 84-year-old who did not have working utilities and refused to stay with family in New Jersey during the recent extreme weather was found dead Sunday afternoon, police said.

The medical examiner said the woman died from heart disease and cold exposure. Several dead cats also were found in the dwelling on the 2800 block of South Alder Street in Point Breeze, Detective Danielle Tolliver of South Detectives said. Philadelphia Animal Care and Control was called in to collect the felines.

The victim’s 64-year-old sister called police to check on the woman and, when they entered the home with the sibling, they made the horrible discovery.

The sister grew concerned after not hearing from her sister for about a week.

via www.southphillyreview.com

December 19,2009 snow storm

Image via Wikipedia

– pressofAtlanticCity.com : Atlantic County

By EMILY PREVITI Staff Writer

Township Manager Jill Gougher announced the decision Friday afternoon, hours after police Chief Pat Moran met with police union representatives and 14 patrol officers who went on paid leave in advance of being laid off. Dressed in street clothes, the officers filed silently into the courtroom within the Galloway Township Municipal Complex about 7:25 a.m. Friday, with some of them being required to turn in their badges, guns and police cars.

Many local governments are struggling with declining tax revenues and the possibility of less state aid.

Atlantic City faces a budget gap originally estimated to be $35 million. The city may lay off 10 highly paid workers and fire or demote superior officers in the police department, plus cut a week from the start and end of the beach season and temporarily close fire stations.

via www.pressofatlanticcity.com

Entries for the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife\’s Native Fish Art and Writing Contest must be received by Friday, March 5, 2010. This contest provides an excellent opportunity for fourth through seventh grade students to learn about New Jersey\’s native fish. 

Participants must write a short story about a year in the life of a native New Jersey fish of their choice. The story must include biological and ecological information such as the fish\’s habits and habitat, food, etc. Then, using their artistic skills, students must draw a scene from the short story. Creative writing and originality are important judging criteria. 

First and second place winners from each grade level will receive a fishing rod and reel and a certificate. First place winners will also receive a youth membership to Trout Unlimited. All winners will be invited to attend a special luncheon and awards ceremony at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center on the Opening Day of Trout Season, April 10, 2010. 

Prior to the luncheon, contest winners and their families will have the opportunity to experience spectacular trout fishing in the Pequest Fishing Education Pond.
The contest is sponsored by New Jersey chapters of Trout Unlimited.
For more information, see http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishart.htm on the division\’s Web site.