Attempt to Turn Ca. National Park into Private Hunting Grounds

[JPZenger]

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/12/21/14455/240

The above link describes how GOP House Member Duncan Hunter of Ca. is trying to turn a 53,000 acre National Park in California into hunting grounds for political and military bigwigs. The parkland was purchased by the Federal government for public recreation. He wants to turn the land over to the Department of Defense, who has not asked for it. The land would then be available as hunting grounds for the military and for their invited guests (such as members of the House of Representatives?). Also, a private company has very profitable rights to trophy game hunting on the lands, which expires in 2011. The intent may be to find a way to allow that company to continue its hunting after the expiration.

[rodeodance]

1. oh my god!!!!!

[XemaSab]

2. Quote from Kos

"Yet, Hunter's proposal to turn Santa Rosa Island over to the Department of Defense seems bizarre, even by the very low standards of San Diego county Republicans. The island makes up over 40% of a national park that serves about half a million visitors a year, but Hunter is proposing that it be converted into a hunting and recreation preserve for the military and their guests. When pressed on the issue he even went so far as to propose the island be established as a hunting preserve for disabled veterans."

[CanChannelCassandra]

3. Re: Santa Rosa Island

This is really an abomination! These islands are host to some of the rarest plant species on earth. The invasive and non-native species that have been allowed to decimate the rare, wild and native species on the Channel Islands need to be removed and not encouraged for recreational purposes! To turn this island into a Big Game Safari for military are VIP Politicos is a travesty!

[XemaSab]

4. This is a totally ridiculous proposal

It's home to many endangered plants and animals, and almost no game species.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think quail are the only game species out there.

Oh, and furthermore, this dude's about to feel the wrath of the southern California birding community. :scared:

[Spinzonner]

5. OTOH, maybe we could turn it into a prison farm

for Cheney and Scalia

[OregonBlue]

6. North County Times, San Diego has been reporting on this story.

Congressman defends plan for military use of California island
North County Times
San Diego
December 15
By: ERICA WERNER - Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON -- The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee defended his plan to give the military use of a National Park island off California, saying he wants to help disabled veterans and save deer and elk -- not give the island to the Pentagon or keep the public out.

"I've heard that there is discussion or rumor that DOD was going to take ownership of Santa Rosa Island. That is not what we want to do," Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., said in an interview Wednesday. "I want to see two things. One is to allow our paralyzed veterans to hunt and fish at Santa Rosa Island as a special place for them, and No. 2 is to stop the extermination plan of deer and elk."

Hunter contended a court-ordered settlement that says a private hunting business must be off 53,000-acre Santa Rosa Island by 2011 would result in the game being shot from helicopters once that deadline comes. "Why aren't the environmentalists concerned about exterminating the little fawns?" he asked.

The court settlement does specify the use of "trained professionals and helicopters," but opponents disputed the notion of a large-scale extermination of deer and elk, saying the settlement envisions a gradual reduction so most of the animals would be gone by 2011 anyway.


http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/12/15/news/state/18_30_5812_14_05.txt

[JPZenger]

7. If Really Want to Serve Disabled Veterans ...

If Hunter REALLY wants to open up recreation opportunities for disabled veterans, he could introduce a bill to build a handicapped boat ramp and paths for persons with disabilities on these grounds. If he wants to given disabled veterans exclusive rights for any hunting that is allowed, that could be done by act of Congress. There is no reason to change the land from ownership by the National Park Service.

Or, he could try to end the Iraq War so there aren't quite as many disabled veterans being created.

[OregonBlue]

8. This guy is really dirty. Follow the money, he's making a fortune

off of this war and the "war on terror". Reading today that Abramoff is going to role over. He should get his comeupins soon!