Lead Ban ChroniclesThis press release came in just as I was leaving for Texas.  I meant to post it while I was gone, but ran out of time.

So here goes…

The Centers for Biological Diversity, perhaps not content to let the scientific process take its course, is now pushing suit against the BLM and US Fish and Wildlife Service to put a stop to the use of lead ammo in that state.  They tried a similar approach earlier against the State wildlife agency, only to find that the agency was prevented by the AZ constitution from enacting such legislation. 

The suit references the recent National Park Service announcement that lead ammo and fishing tackle would be eliminated in the National Parks, but fails to mention that this announcement was later modified to say that the ban would only apply to the use of lead ammo and fishing tackle by NPS employees. 

It also calls on the “threat to human health” angle, despite the fact that recent research doesn’t indicate any significant risk to most humans (developing fetus and nursing infants may be a different question). 

“Lead poisoning is a huge problem, not just for the condor but for other wildlife and even humans,” said Jay Lininger, an ecologist with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Non-lead ammunition is now available for virtually all hunting uses, including the recent development of non-lead .22 rimfire ammunition, previously thought to be technically infeasible. Our national monuments should lead the way in protecting the magnificent condors of the Grand Canyon from further lead poisonings.”

The press release from the Center for Biological Diversity goes on to suggest that there is “overwhelming evidence” that lead ammo is the primary cause of lead poisoning in condors, despite the fact that no conclusive evidence has been discovered. 

I used to maintain some respect for the CBD as an organization that built its position on science and real ecological concerns, but turning out “press releases” loaded with half-truths and misleading information really show that this organization has taken a turn for the worst, and is becoming just another screaming voice from the frantic fringe. 

I can only hope that the Feds will step up to this one and firmly set this whole issue back into the realm of reality by proving or disproving these allegations once and for all.  Until the proof is solid, these lawsuits and charges are becoming a waste of taxpayer money, not to mention the harrassment of law-abiding hunters.

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