Wild Friends, a proponent of legislative measures to protect wildlife and make roads safer for motorists, was recently honored with the New Mexico Wildlife Society's 2003 Professional Award for outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation.
The Center for Wildlife Law, University of New Mexico Institute for Public Law, founded Wild Friends, a statewide network of 500 students grades 5-12, teachers and mentors . Students adopt compelling wildlife issues, develop legislative bills or memorials and work to advance them through the legislative process.
“The students' efforts will help reduce wildlife mortality, human injuries and property damage,” said Mark Watson, New Mexico Game and Fish habitat specialist.
Solutions developed by Wild Friends are a “win-win for both wildlife and humans,” he added.
New Mexico State Rep. Mimi Stewart has sponsored the group's legislation since 1999, including two memorials aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.
In January 2003, the group wrote and lobbied for House Joint Memorial 3 requiring the New Mexico Game and Fish and Transportation departments to work together to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and increase habitat connectivity across highways by constructing fences and under/overpasses for wildlife.
New Mexico species most affected by roadways include black bears, mountain lions and mule deer, which require large areas to breed and forage for food.
The memorial raised public awareness and was the impetus for “Brake for Wildlife Day” in October declared by Governor Bill Richardson. The memorial also paved the way for the Division of Motor Vehicles to include information in the Driver's Manual on the potential for wildlife-vehicle collisions and how to avoid them.
Wild Friends recently worked on a second memorial, House Joint Memorial 21, requesting that federal funds be appropriated to study the need for wildlife-dedicated passageways for four critical areas in New Mexico – Tijeras Canyon on 1-40 east of Albuquerque, Raton Pass on 1-25 in northeast New Mexico, San Augustine Pass over the Organ and San Andres Mountains on U.S. 70 above Las Cruces, and U.S. 90 south of Silver City through the Burro Mountains.
Wild Friends teacher Bob Anderson and student Sydney Thayer of Silver City accepted the Wildlife Society award on behalf of members at the joint conferences of the New Mexico and Arizona Chapters of the Wildlife Society and American Fisheries Society held last month.
Contact: Laurie Mellas-Ramirez (505) 277-5915
Posted by kwentworth at March 17, 2004 10:52 AM