From the Desk
Of.....
President of CRWM
– Herb Bergquist
Spreading the word in Massachusetts
about our educational efforts to get the
proper tools and methods available for use in managing
our furbearer species is no easy task. Over a
decade of time has passed since the successful 1996 ballot initiative occurred banning most
capture methods and gone with it; critical knowledge and information on our
furbearer wildlife that can never be recovered. However,
I personally do not see this as reason for total despair; but a basis for
tremendous opportunity and hope. For both resident
wildlife and the citizens of the Commonwealth, allowing the use
of extremely humane, scientifically tested
and professionally accepted management tools is not only desirable, but critical for
long-term ecosystem stability and our positive interactions with it.
There has been an awesome responsibility bestowed upon us
by past generations to make sure that wildlife management decisions are based on science
and inquiry, not emotional ideology. When
confronted with the so-called "animal rights" philosophy, we must never forget
that animals will die with or without our involvement. No
living thing can cheat death, since it is an inevitable part of life. The direct connection between death and cruelty is
the message often projected to a sympathetic public by animal rights organizations - when done by human hands. This connection should not and can not always be
the case, since our connection with domestic animals and wildlife will continue and
undoubtedly persist as long as we inhabit this landscape.
And so, viewed in this light, the real question is; should we be involved in the
active management our wildlife? I believe, as
do the overwhelming majority of wildlife resource professionals across the country, the
answer is an enthusiastic YES! Yet, even with
this undeniable fact that death is an inescapable part of life, if we are to be involved; concerns of animal
welfare are not only desirable for everyone managing wildlife, but essential for our
humanity. Animal welfare is of highest priority
in any wildlife management plan and is always in the forefront of any method pursed.
You need to know that if you or your
organization chooses to donate or become a member of the CRWM, your dollars are going
toward something extremely important and will
make a difference. There is a lot of work to
do and we need your help. The
CRWM is boldly attempting to educate and represent a public who believes in a
reasonable, responsible and balanced approach to furbearer wildlife management in Massachusetts
that will benefit both wildlife and society for the long-term. We
intend to help usher in a new era of responsibility and understanding recognized
by the public and championed by our hired wildlife professionals. The key to any successful wildlife management
plan is an all inclusive approach that allows input and participation by all interested
parties, including use and non-use advocates alike. Our
state wildlife professionals embrace this approach, standing ready to implement, regulate
and enforce a wildlife management plan that involves the most humane, effective and
responsible methods currently banned. If you
can push aside the half-truths, outlandish claims, outright fabrications and fantastic
media campaigns that many have come to believe as fact over the years regarding
regulated furbearer
trapping; you have a unique opportunity now to be part of something positive and
significant concerning the future management of our wildlife. I hope you’ll take it.
![[Under Construction]](images/undercon.gif){kind=small}
