Where We Stand

• Habitat Protection for Native Wildlife.

  This issue covers a wide range of activities focused on protecting birds and other wildlife and the natural habitats they need to survive. Examples of RVAS work in this area include: supporting protections for roadless and wilderness areas (which represent the best remaining habitat for many species); monitoring federal logging and grazing policies; and working for the preservation of local wildlife areas (e.g., Denman Wildlife Area, the Soda Mountain area).

• Preservation of Strong Environmental Laws.

  Our best tools for protecting wildlife are the strong environmental laws that are already on the books. These include the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, and Oregon's strict land-use laws. All these laws are under attack by powerful interests. Some attacks are direct, others are secretive, some are happening in Washington, D.C., others in Salem, and still others in our own home towns. RVAS works toward keeping informed about these threats, and acts to defeat them.

• Reduce Sources of Mortality Among Birds and Other Wildlife.

  Birds face many direct threats to their survival including pesticides, feral cats, introduced species, electrocution by power lines, uncovered oil pits and toxic waste ponds. RVAS seeks to educate the public about these threats, and works locally to reduce their impacts.

• Public Education about Wildlife Conservation.

  While the Education Committee of RVAS is responsible for our extensive public education program, it is worth emphasizing that this is a critical element in our Conservation efforts. An informed public is essential for the long-term preservation of America's wildlife heritage. The three pillars of our public education are: community and public school programs, the chapter newsletter, The Chat, and our field trips.

• Advocating for Adequate Budgets for Wildlife.

  Many state and federal land management and wildlife agencies suffer from inadequate funding. Similarly, the federal budget for land acquisition of threatened habitat is chronically under funded. It does little good to criticize agencies for their performance when they are not given the staff or funding they need. Long-term solutions to many environmental problems will not be found until the items are given the budgetary priority they deserve.

• Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges.

  RVAS monitors federal management policies and works to protect this critical area, one of the most important bird sanctuaries in western North America. For example, we have worked to ensure adequate water supplies for the refuges; to reduce pesticide use; and to limit agriculture on refuge lands that has no benefit to wildlife.

We believe in the wisdom of nature's design.

We know that soil, water, plants, and wild creatures depend upon each other and are vital to human life.

We recognize that each living thing links to many others in the chain of nature.

We believe that persistent research into the intricate patterns of outdoor life will help to assure wise use of earth's abundance.

We condemn no wild creature and work to assure that no living species shall be lost.

We believe that every generation should be able to experience spiritual and physical refreshment in places where primitive nature is undisturbed.

So we will be vigilant to protect wilderness areas, refuges, and parks, and to encourage good use of nature's storehouse of resources.

We dedicate ourselves to the pleasant task of opening the eyes of young and old that all may come to enjoy the beauty of the outdoor world, and to share in conserving its wonders forever.