Post by FWS on Jul 18, 2008 12:25:56 GMT -6
Both sides in lynx trapping debate are happy
By DOUG SMITH, Star Tribune
July 15, 2008
Minnesota trappers and an anti-trapping group claimed victory Tuesday after a federal judge approved a state plan to reduce the number of protected Canada lynx accidentally caught in traps in northeastern Minnesota.
The plan restricts trapping methods in the northeast, the primary lynx range. But it doesn't eliminate trapping there, as some had feared might happen.
"We're very pleased,'' said Gary Meis, president of the Minnesota Trappers Association. "In the worst-case scenario, trapping could have been stopped border to border.''
He said the ruling will protect trapping and ensure the safety of the lynx, too. "We can continue trapping without harming the Canada lynx. It's a win-win situation.''
There are about 6,000 trappers in the state.
Said Nicole Paquette of Born Free USA: "The court has upheld our position that additional trapping restrictions in lynx habitat are vital to prevent more harm to this imperiled species.''
She added, "We remain convinced that there are still further actions worth taking,'' and said the group will assess whether the plan "will prove sufficient to stop the cruel trapping of lynx.''
The state banned trapping of lynx in 1984, but from 2002 to 2007, at least 14 lynx were injured or killed by trappers in Minnesota, mostly by traps set for other species such as bobcat or fox.
Born Free USA, formerly the Animal Protection Institute, and the Center for Biological Diversity filed suit in 2006 against the state Department of Natural Resources. U.S. District Judge Michael Davis ruled the DNR was violating the federal Endangered Species Act by not protecting the lynx and he ordered the agency to develop a plan to protect them.
Under the plan approved by Davis Monday, fresh meat cannot be used as bait in traps in the lynx zone, and the size of snares and body-gripping traps will be restricted. All lynx trapped must be reported, and the DNR will develop a rehabilitation program for any lynx injured in traps.
By DOUG SMITH, Star Tribune
July 15, 2008
Minnesota trappers and an anti-trapping group claimed victory Tuesday after a federal judge approved a state plan to reduce the number of protected Canada lynx accidentally caught in traps in northeastern Minnesota.
The plan restricts trapping methods in the northeast, the primary lynx range. But it doesn't eliminate trapping there, as some had feared might happen.
"We're very pleased,'' said Gary Meis, president of the Minnesota Trappers Association. "In the worst-case scenario, trapping could have been stopped border to border.''
He said the ruling will protect trapping and ensure the safety of the lynx, too. "We can continue trapping without harming the Canada lynx. It's a win-win situation.''
There are about 6,000 trappers in the state.
Said Nicole Paquette of Born Free USA: "The court has upheld our position that additional trapping restrictions in lynx habitat are vital to prevent more harm to this imperiled species.''
She added, "We remain convinced that there are still further actions worth taking,'' and said the group will assess whether the plan "will prove sufficient to stop the cruel trapping of lynx.''
The state banned trapping of lynx in 1984, but from 2002 to 2007, at least 14 lynx were injured or killed by trappers in Minnesota, mostly by traps set for other species such as bobcat or fox.
Born Free USA, formerly the Animal Protection Institute, and the Center for Biological Diversity filed suit in 2006 against the state Department of Natural Resources. U.S. District Judge Michael Davis ruled the DNR was violating the federal Endangered Species Act by not protecting the lynx and he ordered the agency to develop a plan to protect them.
Under the plan approved by Davis Monday, fresh meat cannot be used as bait in traps in the lynx zone, and the size of snares and body-gripping traps will be restricted. All lynx trapped must be reported, and the DNR will develop a rehabilitation program for any lynx injured in traps.
