🚀 go-pugleaf

grege@gold.GVG.TEK.COM (Greg Ebert) writes:

> The NWF is hardly indicative of a typical environmentalist organization. I've
> seen some of their junkmail, and I'm sure that their intention is to buy-up
> land to aquire hunting grounds, not long-term preservation (unlike the
> Wilderness Society). Their annual 'Christmas stamps' are pictures of ducks
> ONLY, an all-time favorite of shotgun wackos. I havn't seen it stated
> explicitly in their literature, but I have heard they are somehow affiliated
> with the NRA.
> 
> I'm really surprised that Dannemeyer spoke-out against them, because they're
> with "the good ol' boys".
 
Yup, yup, we're good 'ol folks, not just boys.  We don't buy land, or
even accept it for use as a reserve.  We generally refer such inquiries 
other specialized private organizations, like The Nature Conservancy or 
Trust for Public Lands.

We aren't affiliated with the NRA, but some of our member are hunters.
Some oppose hunting.  With over 5.9 members and supporters, we have people 
from almost every persuasion.   

Regarding Dannemeyer's constituent mailing, it's full of half-truths and
innuendoes.  We did accept the tract of land in the late 70s and we did
sell it in the 80s.  The proceeds are in a restricted fund to be used only 
for special projects relating to endangered species.  No money for 
buildings or lawyers.  

The donor did sue us (he lost), but he also was on our board when we voted 
to sell.  As a fundraiser, I regret that our relationship with the donor 
broke down, but our board and officers have a different vision for us than 
some of our critics do.

We are a conservation education organization, publishing magazines, books 
and other educational materials, supporting education and research, and, 
yes, advocating certain environmental issues.  

Finally, last year's Christmas stamps included the following species:

white-footed mouse
titmouse
nuthatch
woodpecker
cedar waxwing
wood duck
ermine

and a poinsettia.  This year, hopefully, they will be printed on recycled
paper.

_Chuck_
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Chuck Paquette, National Wildlife Federation, 1400 16th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036, USA, 202-797-6678,  Internet: cap@nwfdc.nwf.org 
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