Former Colorado Wildlife Commission member Claire O’Neal of Holyoke has been given the Honorary Lifetime Member Award by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
O’Neal was cited for her work with the association during her four-year term with the Colorado commission, a nine-member body that establishes policy for the state’s wildlife affairs.
“Claire has an infectious enthusiasm about her that has served her well, and others around her seemed to benefit by association,” awards chairman Bruce Thompson said at a recent ceremony in Rapid City, S.D.
Roadless plan appeal.
Three key conservation organizations have called upon Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter to delay the release of the state’s roadless rule draft environmental impact statement.
Trout Unlimited, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers called for the delay to allow for conservation measures for important fish and wildlife habitat and opportunity for public comment.
These groups worry that a planned summer release of the current draft could facilitate oil and gas development in backcountry areas currently protected under the 2001 roadless rule. Colorado amendments to the earlier rule allow for a number of other exceptions that threaten the wild characteristics of the areas proposed for protection.
