By Bob Brown There is one thing that can be said for environmentalists. They are consistent in trying to shut down shooting sports and hunting, and although they haven't been successful, they have been the engineering force behind the numerous restrictions that have been placed upon both activities. Their latest effort has been trying to force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate spent lead bullets and lead shot used in shooting sports and hunting. Environmentalists have a pretty good track record for winning their lawsuits, but they don't win them all. Last month, a federal appeals court ruled against environmentalists who were trying to force the EPA to regulate spent bullets and lead shot. Judge David Tatil of the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said that bullets and shot can only become spent if they are first contained in a cartridge or shell and then fired from a weapon. The environmental groups have identified no way in which EPA could regulate spent bullets and shot without also regulating cartridges and shells, precisely what the law prohibits. The Toxic Substances Control Act exempts cartridges and shells from regulation. The National Rifle Association and much of the pro-gun lobby intervened on the EPA's side in urging the federal appeals court to uphold dismissal of the lawsuit by 101 environmental organizations.
Sea lions and puffins
In a Steller sea lion status review conducted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the department reported the data shows there has been a significant increase in the Washington population since the 1980s and that the species is breeding in increasing numbers. The information indicates the species is no longer in decline or at risk of becoming endangered, and should be removed from the state's threatened species list. In 2013, the National Marine Fisheries Service federally de- listed the eastern District Population Segment (DPS) of Steller sea lions, which includes the Washington population. The WDFW has conducted its own review of the Steller sea lions status in Washington and found the species should be de-listed at the state level, as well. WDFW is also recommending tufted puffins be put on the state's endangered species list. Tufted puffins are native seabirds once common in the San Juan Islands, Strait of Juan de Fuca and along the Washington coast however, over the last several decades 38 of the 43 breeding sites used historically by the birds have either been abandoned or seen significant declines in use. The federal government is also considering extending protection to tufted puffins under the Endangered Species Act, but the decision is not expected until 2016 or 2017. In Washington, endangered designation is given to native species that are seriously threatened with extinction throughout all or a major portion of their range. If tufted puffins are listed as endangered, WDFW will develop a plan outlining actions necessary for their recovery in the state.
Cougar, fishing and shellfish reports
" Cougar hunting closed Jan. 2 in Game Management Units 105, 121, 145, 166, 175, 178, 574 and 667. Those units are located in portions of Lewis, Thurston, Stevens, Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Klickitat and Skamania counties. Last year, 182 cougars were harvested statewide, up from 156 in 2012, 145 in 2011, and 108 in 2010, said Dave Ware, WDFW game manager. Ware reminds hunters that additional cougar hunt areas may close before the late season ends March 31. " There seems to be no end to the avalanche of coho migrating into the Cowlitz River. Tacoma Power recovered 2,047 coho adults and 23 jacks, 215 winter steelhead and two cutthroat trout during the week of Dec. 22-29. Tacoma Power employees also released 261 coho adults, six jacks and two winter steelhead, and two cutthroat trout were released into the Tilton River at Gus Backstrom Park in Morton. They also released 185 coho adults, one jack and one winter steelhead into the Cispus River above the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek. WDFW sampling last week on the Cowlitz tallied 96 bank anglers with six steelhead and six adult coho kept. One adult coho was released. Twenty-five boat anglers had eight steelhead and three adult coho kept. " WDFW will announce the final word on a razor clam dig tentatively scheduled for Jan. 17 through Jan. 24 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks and Copalis after marine toxin tests have been completed. Crab fishing closed Dec. 31 in Puget Sound. Crab fishers are reminded their winter catch reports are due by Feb. 1. If they fail to report their summer or winter harvest, they will be assessed a $10 penalty with the purchase of a 2015 license.
Bob Brown lives in Roy and is a freelance outdoors writer. He can be reached at robertb1285@fairpoint.net
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