Current work in wildlife, rivers, public lands, and climate

SANTA FE, NM- In an effort to inspire and activate New Mexicans concerned about the potential for continued erosion of environmental and public health safeguards, WildEarth Guardians is hosting a counter inaugural party this Thursday. The party, whose theme is, “Don’t Despair – Get Active”, is free and will provide opportunities for people who are looking for opportunities to ensure our voices will be heard during the next four years of legislative attacks on the environment.

The party will feature a mock swearing in, in which each of WildEarth Guardians staff members will take an oath to implement a hopeful vision that provides a stark contract to the fear driven agenda carried out by the Bush Administration. In addition, each staff member will take a pledge to hold the administration accountable be challenging its initiatives in the courts, in the streets and in Congress.

“Another Bush term means more secret attacks on our waters, wildlands and wildlife and the laws that protect them, says John Horning, Executive Director. “But WildEarth Guardians is poised to counter the endless attacks against fundamental laws such as the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act, but we won’t be able to do it without greater public involvement,” he added.

WildEarth Guardians is actively involved in countering the onslaught of new oil & gas development in New Mexico and the greater Southwest under the Bush administration. Other major organizational campaigns include working to restore the Rio Grande, protecting roadless areas on national forests and limiting livestock grazing on public lands. Protecting and restoring the diversity of life and upholding the promise of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) links many of our campaigns. The Bush Administration has already made it clear that it wants to gut the ESA as a favor to development, logging, ranching and mining interests.

“This event will serve as an opportunity to re-group, organize, vent a little, and rather than despair, celebrate our hopeful vision,” says Ayca Akin, WildEarth Guardians outreach coordinator and event organizer. “We need to give people an outlet for their anger, their hopes and fears.” With a newly expanded office and increased staff, 15-year old WildEarth Guardians contends that it is in a stronger position than it has ever been in to fulfill its mandate. The “Counter the Coronation” party is from 5:30 to 8pm at WildEarth Guardians’ Santa Fe office. Call 988-9126 for details.

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