Conserving Public Lands Needs "A Major Course Correction"

By The Associated Press
Apr. 19, 2016

WASHINGTON (AP) — Interior Secretary Sally Jewell on Tuesday called for "a major course correction" in the way the nation conserves its public lands, waters and wildlife, saying climate change and other trends threaten natural areas "in existential ways."

In a major policy speech, Jewell called climate change one of several threats facing public lands and water, including an "extreme movement" by armed groups to seize them; a push by some politicians to sell them to the highest bidder; and increased development nearby.

"Climate change — the most pressing issue of our time — threatens our land and water in existential ways, with longer, hotter fire seasons, record-breaking droughts and more frequent and severe superstorms," Jewell said.

Citing a new analysis by a nonprofit conservation and scientific group, Jewell said natural areas in the West are disappearing at the rate of a football field every two-and-a-half minutes. The trend is especially alarming "because healthy, intact ecosystems are fundamental to the health of our nation," she said ...

http://www.kezi.com/news/Secretary_Jewell_Calls_for_A_Major_Course_Correction.html