Thank Governor Crist for Standing Up for Manatees
Florida's manatees can't thank Governor Charlie Crist for protecting them, but you can!
Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has agreed to postpone a decision on its controversial proposal that would have undermined protections for endangered manatees.
This welcome news came just one day after Governor Charlie Crist sent a letter urging the commission to delay a decision on management of "one of our state's most beloved natural resources."
Please sign our petition to send Governor Crist a thank-you note for standing up for manatees!
Dear Governor Crist,
As a supporter of Defenders of Wildlife and someone who cares deeply about protecting Florida's wildlife, I want to sincerely thank you for your recent actions to ensure sensible management of Florida's endangered manatees.
As you know, manatees are one of Florida's most precious natural resources. However, boat strikes and habitat loss remain serious threats to the amazing marine mammals -- a record 417 manatees were killed in 2006. In addition, significant declines due to loss of warm water winter habitat are projected for the near future and are cause for great concern.
Your advising the Commission to postpone this critical decision and to allow the new board members more time to evaluate this complex issue is a wise and prudent course of action. A vote at this time would be inappropriate, considering the flawed listing criteria that underestimate the manatee's true imperilment status.
Thank you for urging the Florida State Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to delay the proposal to "downlist" manatees. Your leadership on this and other conservation issues is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
