By: Craft3 - Oct 06, 2016
Source: Press Release
USDA Rural Development loan capital to be paired with grant from Northwest Area Foundation

ILWACO, WASHINGTON – Regional nonprofit lender Craft3 has received access to $22 million in new resources to support the development of community facilities in rural and tribal communities across the Northwest. The award will build capacity for small, rural towns and Native organizations and make community-centered investments that help reduce persistent poverty.

“Lack of capital in tribal communities means a lack of opportunity – and that lack of opportunity has helped create generational, persistent poverty.” said Adam Zimmerman, President & CEO of Craft3. “We’re proud to be partnering with USDA Rural Development and the Northwest Area Foundation on Uplift America to make critical investments that improve quality of life, reduce poverty, improve access to capital, and create jobs.”

The new resources come in the form of access to a $20 million low-interest Community Facilities loan from USDA Rural Development, and a $2 million grant from Northwest Area Foundation.

“Northwest Area Foundation is pleased to provide a $2 million companion grant to Craft3 through our partnership with the Uplift America Fund to support the delivery of USDA Community Facilities Loans to underserved rural communities across Oregon and Washington, particularly in Northwest Indian Country. Craft3 has shown an unwavering commitment to rural places and has a strong track record of financing community facilities that support essential human services which strengthen the resilience of Pacific Northwest communities,” said Karla Miller, Program Director at Northwest Area Foundation.

Craft3 has a long history of financing community facilities in rural areas, including:

• Shoalwater Bay Tribe Wellness Center in Tokeland, Washington;
  
• Oregon Coast Community Action’s Child and Family Resource Center in Coos Bay, Oregon;
  
• Clatsop Community College in Astoria, Oregon; and
  
• Downtown Ambulatory Health Center in Port Angeles, Washington.
  

“Today’s award will support targeted, place-based investments in isolated rural communities,” said Vicki Walker, Oregon State Director for USDA Rural Development. “These low-interest loans can have a real impact on reducing poverty and foster greater leveraging of private and philanthropic investments in remote areas. By providing this game-changing level of investment capital, USDA and our partners are taking a considerable step to improve the quality of life in rural Oregon and Washington.”

"These investments will lift the economic prospects of our communities and create jobs, especially in those areas that have not yet realized their potential for growth,” said Mario Villanueva, Washington State Director for USDA Rural Development. “Thanks to this financing, USDA Rural Development's local partners will have the resources to build, create and invest in the essential community facilities and services, like public safety, health care and education.”

Since Craft3 was founded in 1994, it has invested:

• over $17 million in Indian Country, including in Tribal governments, Tribal corporations, Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Native entrepreneurs. Examples of Craft3-funded projects are medical and dental facilities, other essential services, land acquisition, Tribal enterprises, fishing loans, small business loans, and capital investments in Native CDFIs.
  
• over $32 million in local government, education and nonprofit projects. Examples include community facilities, health care, schools, child care, playgrounds, domestic violence shelters, food banks, downtown renewal projects, and conservation projects.
  

All news
Source URL:

How Does the USDA Funnel Money to "Certain" NGO's?  
The USDA recently announced updates to its Community Facilities Loan Program “that allow the Agency to make direct loans to eligible lending institutions (referred to as ‘re-lenders’) who then will re-loan the funds to eligible applicants for eligible community facility projects.” Through the Community Facilities Relending Program, USDA can provide up to $500 million in long-term, very low-cost financing for CDFIs to facilitate much-needed infrastructure projects in communities that have suffered for decades from persistent poverty and underinvestment.

Uplift provides additional financial ingredients that allow community lenders to access these funds and increase the chance they will make a difference. Private grants offer critical capacity building support like staffing, technical assistance or community planning, and net-asset assistance to strengthen balance sheets and allow borrowing of these resources. Financial guarantees from banks make community lenders more attractive to USDA.
Click here to learn more about investment opportunities.

Hey Folks,
 
The county formed a committee back in 2011 to analyze the problem of keeping predators from harming and killing livestock or people.  The reason the county commissioners had to form this committee was that the feds cut off funding to the program used by the county to kill dangerous animals. 
 
Now, the committee is creating a Predator Damage Control District, which is a taxing district.  It will be a controversial topic at the next couple of meetings.  The committee sent letters to Landowners in the district asking them to fill out a survey by October 2, 2016.   The information is in the letter from the committee, which is posted below.     
 
Please inform yourself and others by reading the following documents and excerpts from the committee about this issue.  Then you will be ready when it is time to debate the subject of establishing yet another taxing district…..Rob T. 

PURPOSE:
To evaluated funding options for the animal damage control in Coos County as well as the Wildlife Services program. To set goals, priorities, and suggest staffing levels for the animal damage control (Wildlife Services) program. Educate the public on the importance of animal damage control. Evaluate the needs and effectiveness of the Wildlife Services program.  Educate the Coos County Budget Committee concerning the program, its benefits and results.  Report back to the Coos County Board of Commissioners with recommendations and carry any statewide funding recommendations to the statewide Stakeholders Group.

SCOPE OF THE WILDLIFE SERVICES PROGRAM IN COOS COUNTY

1. Protect public health and safety
2. Control spread of disease in wildlife population (such as rabies)
3. Protect the Coos County infra-structure (culverts, roads, dikes)
4. Control animal damage to forages, crops, livestock and timber
5. Assist with wildlife control within city and rural populations
6. Protect the County forests and parks

Committee Damage Control Advisory Committee
A committee of ten persons shall be approved or appointed by the Coos County Board of Commissioners. 

The committee members shall represent the following entities:
Coos County Road Department
Cattle Producer
Coos County Forestry Department
Coquille Tribe
Coos-Curry Farm Bureau
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
Coos County Livestock Association
Oregon Hunters Association
Timber Company - 2 members
Drainage Districts
Sheep Producer - 2 members
Wildlife Services
Members-at-large 

The Committee shall elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary.  One of the members of this committee will serve on the statewide Stakeholders Committee.  The Chairman will set the meeting dates as necessary.  The Secretary shall take and submit minutes of the meetings to the Board of Commissioners.  The of office shall be three years.  This is a volunteer appointment and there shall be no cost to the Coos County.

Interested Entities
Members
Coos County Road Department
John Rowe

Coos County Forestry Department
Lance Morgan

Coos-Curry Farm Bureau
Kevin Westfall

Coos County Livestock Association
Joe Cortez

Timber Companies
Harold Merritt,
Jim Carr

Sheep Producers
Chuck King,
Sharon Waterman

Cattle Producer
Monte Lund

Coquille Tribe
Jason Robison,
Alternate: Nathan James

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Stuart Love

Oregon Hunters Association
Dennis Cook

Drainage Districts
Charlie Waterman

Members-at-Large
Blair Holman,
Tuck Koreiva

Wildlife Services
Michael Burrell

Related Posts:
Public Lands Protest BLM, BIA, USACE, USFWS, USFS Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016
USDA Disguising Access for Sustainability in Region's Travel Analysis Reports
USACE Quarterly Permitting Process Meetings Coos County Feb. May, Aug. & Nov
TNC Benefits from States Loss & $450 Million More from Taxpayers for LWCF
NOAA Proposed Recovery Plan for Coho Salmon September 2015
Fish and Wildlife Commission delists wolves statewide in split vote (4-2) ‏
Coos Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting w/ODFW October 16, 2015
Coos County Approves Nature Conservancy's Tide Gate for China Camp Creek
ODFW ~ Conservation Opportunity Areas for Stealing Private Property
USACE ~ Comment on Permit Application Process Wednesday November 18, 2015
USFWS ~ Treating Private Property off the Bandon Marsh
The Mosquitoes Return to the Coquille Valley

Forest Service Publishes Region’s Travel Analysis Reports

Release Date: Dec 16, 2015  

Portland, Ore -- The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region released 17 travel analysis reports this week that outline existing road systems and identify opportunities to achieve a more sustainable system of roads for each national forest in the Pacific Northwest. These travel analysis reports are part of nationwide requirement involving national forests across the country.

These reports are not decision documents—instead, they provide an analysis of where the existing road system is today. All future proposed actions and decisions will involve further opportunities for public input and engagement at the project-level under national environmental policy act processes, according to guidance issued by Regional Forester Jim Peña to all national forests.

“The release of these travel analysis reports is a critical step to ensure our future road system investments promote the greatest good for the great number in the long run,” said Peña. “Given the long-term funding expectations, these reports will help the Forest Service strike the right balance between meeting a diversity of access needs while ensuring the health of your forests and streams.”

The reports will inform future decisions on where and how to invest limited resources on building new roads, managing current roads, or decommissioning old roads. Travel analysis reports identify roads “likely needed” and “likely not needed” in the future, as well as opportunities to change road operation and maintenance strategies, decommission, convert to other use, or add to the system.

As part of a national travel management process, the Forest Service is working to achieve a financially and ecologically sustainable road system that meets access needs, minimizes adverse environmental impacts, and reflects long-term funding expectations.

Through a variety of processes, national forests have worked closely with the public and stakeholder groups to collect information and feedback about social, economic, and ecological concerns and impacts around forest road systems. For many national forests, this is the first time they have looked at their entire road system in a comprehensive way.

The Forest Service manages approximately 90,000 miles of roads in Oregon and Washington that must be maintained to provide safe public and administrative access for a variety of uses, including recreation, fire suppression, commercial activities, forest restoration, and other management purposes. It is a challenge to maintain all roads to proper safety and environmental standards due to increased use, aging infrastructure, and decreasing budgets. Many roads, built between 1950 and 1990, have exceeded their designed lifespan and require costly repairs. Unmaintained roads and infrastructure can impact water quality and wildlife habitat, especially fish-bearing streams. Backlog maintenance projects top $1.2 billion, and funds available for road maintenance each year are only about 15% of what is needed to fully maintain the current road system.

Of the 90,000 miles of Forest Service roads in Oregon and Washington, about 2/3 of those are currently open and maintained for both public and administrative purposes. The other 1/3 of the current road system is managed for specific project uses. These roads are opened during project activities, and closed and put in storage between uses. The travel analysis reports indicate that about 12% of the overall road system is “likely not needed” for resource management purposes in the future. However, the majority of roads in this category are part of the closed and stored road system. Only about 20% (approximately 2,000 miles) of the roads shown as “likely not needed” in the travel analysis reports come from the group of roads that are currently open to the public.

Travel analysis reports for individual national forests in Oregon and Washington can be found here.

The Pacific Northwest Region consists of 16 National Forests, 59 District Offices, a National Scenic Area, and a National Grassland comprising 24.7 million acres in Oregon and Washington and employing approximately 3,550 people. To learn more about the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/r6.  

###

Travel Analysis Reports by Forest - Released December 2015
•    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

•    Colville National Forest

•    Deschutes National Forest

•    Fremont-Winema National Forest

•    Gifford Pinchot National Forest

•    Malheur National Forest

•    Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest

•    Mt. Hood National Forest

•    Ochoco National Forest

•    Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

•    Olympic National Forest

•    Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest

•    Siuslaw National Forest

•    Umatilla National Forest

•    Umpqua National Forest

•    Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

•    Willamette National Forest

Related Posts:
USACE Quarterly Permitting Process Meetings Coos County Feb. May, Aug. & Nov
TNC Benefits from States Loss & $450 Million More from Taxpayers for LWCF
NOAA Proposed Recovery Plan for Coho Salmon September 2015
Fish and Wildlife Commission delists wolves statewide in split vote (4-2) ‏
Coos Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting w/ODFW October 16, 2015
Coos County Approves Nature Conservancy's Tide Gate for China Camp Creek
ODFW ~ Conservation Opportunity Areas for Stealing Private Property
USACE ~ Comment on Permit Application Process Wednesday November 18, 2015
USFWS ~ Treating Private Property off the Bandon Marsh
The Mosquitoes Return to the Coquille Valley
Why does the Government Own & Hoard Resources?
Senator Wyden’s O&C Plan will Bankrupt Counties Part #2
Senator Wyden's O&C Plan will Bankrupt Counties  Part #1
Senator Whitsett---Oregon: Transfer public lands from feds?
Natural Resources Committee--State Forests Management Superior to Federal Forests
O&C Land---Timber Bill and Log Prices
BLM---Lawsuit expands to lock-up 90 million bd-ft of timber    
B-Corporations:  The Redefining of what it means to be a Corporation
The Federalization of Local Urban Renewal Agencies
The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation

You may have heard this story. An elderly cattle rancher and his son started two preventive fires on their own property in Eastern Oregon that also accidentally scorched adjacent public lands. The ranchers paid a steep legal and financial price for the damage they caused. And now the U.S. Dept. of Justice – our own government – is branding two salt-of-the-earth Americans as “terrorists” for starting prescribed burns.

Sign the petition at http://SaveTheHammonds.com and tell the DOJ to stop this cruel and unusual punishment of American ranchers – not terrorists – who have paid their debt to society. Sign now and share this with your friends! #SaveTheHammonds

How did it happen that the Federal government owns so much of the land in the western states? Why does the government own and hoard so much of resources? - Jack Swift, Josephine County

From the earliest days of the Continental Congress and the Northwest Ordinance, the government financed its debt and fostered the growth of new states by selling its land into private, taxable ownership. From 1830 this was accomplished by a series of legislative acts known as the Preemptive Acts which were followed by the Homestead Act of 1862. For more than 100 years this policy worked exceedingly well. Resources in the hands of a free market created an era of innovation, industrialization and economic prosperity which raised the overall standard of living exponentially. This policy created an era which came to be known as the “Gilded Age.”

Then, approximately 100 years ago, the country fell victim to the Progressive Movement. This was a political philosophy of aristocratic elitism. Founded upon the conviction that the average individual is either too ignorant or too greedy to be trusted with management, the progressives told us we and our resources needed to be managed by experts. We would know the experts because they would have certificates awarded by institutions of progressive education. Once certified, these experts undertook the management of everything. We created federal agencies made up of experts to manage our resources. We created the Federal Reserve to manage our economy. Given their expertise, individual free enterprise with regard to resources was deemed counter-productive and we terminated the Homestead Act. We replaced it with an altogether new scheme embodied in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). Today federal lands are retained in government ownership and managed by the elite.

After World War II, the Progressive Movement wedded with the brand new Environmental Movement. Founded in the hysteria provoked by the false fantasies of the likes of Rachel Carson, Paul Ehrlich and the Sierra Club, the combined movements soon saddled us with the National Environmental Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Entrusting these to experts of course required the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the infusion in the management agencies with the enlightened ideals of environmental nihilism.  The goal of the managers became the curtailment of industry. Sequestration of resources replaced production.

Lack of production in turn brought the potential of widespread poverty. Our experts quickly found the cure by introducing a new economy based upon credit. Nixon took the nation off the gold standard and there was nothing left but credit.  The difficulty with credit as a basis for economic growth in place of production is that credit does not create any new sales and thereby widen the economy. It merely advances the time of purchase. The economy is still limited by what the producers can afford.

Today we are confronted with the failure of an expert idea that is essentially a lead balloon. It cannot work. Individually, the amount of credit one can undertake is always limited by one’s capacity to service the debt one already has. When one reaches the point that one must undertake more debt in order to make the payments on one’s existing debt, the game is over. In terms of a national economic scheme, it requires an ever-increasing population ready to take on debt. When we experience a down-sizing of the working population such as is following the retirement of the baby-boomers, there ensues necessarily a contraction of overall debt - what the Federal Reserve perceives as deflation. And therein lies our current financial crisis.

The fantasy game of the green progressives is over. The time has come to repair the economy they have broken. That can only be done by restoring opportunity to those who would exploit it. We must once again make our resources available to production. It is time to repeal FLPMA and restore the Homestead Act. The only real economy is one based upon production and production requires resources.

Jack Swift
Southern Oregon Resource Alliance (SORA)
June, 2014

Related Posts:
Senator Wyden’s O&C Plan will Bankrupt Counties Part #2
Senator Wyden's O&C Plan will Bankrupt Counties  Part #1
Senator Whitsett---Oregon: Transfer public lands from feds?
Natural Resources Committee--State Forests Management Superior to Federal Forests
O&C Land---Timber Bill and Log Prices
BLM---Lawsuit expands to lock-up 90 million bd-ft of timber    
WANTED: Examples of Economic Hardship Due to ESA Critical Habitat
GOA Alert: Senate to vote on the Federal Land Seizure Act on Thursday‏
RMP's for Western Oregon
Urgent, Urgent, Urgent, House May Cave On LWCF. Call Now.
Comments from the Cottage Grove 912 
A Meeting About Nothing....
TIME IS RUNNING OUT to Contact the BLM
BLM Q&A
Important Public Meeting: The Bureau of Land Management
This Land is... the Government's
BOC---Public Meeting for Vote on South Coast Community Foundation April 1, 2014
Letter to Editor---South Coast Community Foundation Scam will Top All Past 
MGX---Geddry Slams Koch over Forced Cooperation & Jordon Cove Funding 
League of Oregon Cities Class of Slanted View on History of Urban Renewal in OR 
City of Bandon---Expanding Government Cheese
Urban Renewal---King Hales of Portland Master of Government Development
FBI Press Release on Charges Against Local Bandon Developer Michael Drobot
Urban Renewal---Read How Schools suffer to Support Wealthy Foreign Companies
City of Bandon---Local Developer Michael Drobot Admits to Bribery & Conspiracy 
Preserving the American Dream:  Lessons in Beating Boondoggles
Agenda 21---Sustainable Development & Regionalism
City of Bandon---Votes on the renewal of City Manager's Contract
What is Craft3 & how does it relate to Agenda 21
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL
Community Vs. Collectivism
Regionalism - The Blueprint for Your Serfdom
Success against Agenda 21
The Smoking Gun The direct link between Agenda 21 and local planners!
The International Code Council and You...
Port of Bandon in North Bend, Why?

Hey Folks,

Below are a few links from the US Department of Agriculture.  Apparently in the 2010 NRI Summary Report, the state of Oregon has less land for agriculture.  One of the reasons for this is the amount of land that has been taken out of production for agriculture and used for wetland restoration.  One good example is the current Bandon Marsh, which was a working farm just a few years ago and the planned expansion would have taken another 4500 acres of farmland.  Now, it is a mosquito pit.  Can you imagine what it would be like if the expansion had not been suspended?......Rob T.  

  A statistical survey of land use and natural resource conditions and trends on U.S. non-Federal lands.

NRI Results
These documents are in Adobe Acrobat format:
New! 2010 NRI Summary Report
(PDF; 7.7 MB)
2007 NRI Summary Report
(PDF; 1.8 MB)
Supplemental Caribbean 2007 NRI Summary Report, May 2012
(PDF; 0.2 MB)
Supplemental Hawaii 2007 NRI Summary Report, June 2012
(PDF; 0.3 MB)
Alaska 2007 NRI Summary Report, December 2012
(PDF; 0.1 MB)

• 2007 NRI - Land Use Status and Trends
• 2007 NRI - Development of Non-Federal Rural Land
• 2007 NRI - Soil Erosion on Cropland
• 2007 NRI - Wetlands
• NRI Rangeland Resource Assessment (October 2010)
• 1997 NRI Archive

NRI Process

• Statistical Design
• Data Gathering
• Statistical Estimation
• Glossary

 

State and Regional profiles based on the 2007 NRI can be found through the RCA data viewer.

The Resource Inventory Division leads the NRI effort in cooperation with Iowa State University's Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology and support from:

• NRCS National Geospatial Center of Excellence
• NRCS Information Technology Center

2013 NRI-CEAP Survey of Farming and Conservation Practices in the California Bay-Delta Watershed Area

NRCS is partnering with USDA-NASS to deliver the 2013 NRI-CEAP survey, which collects information from agricultural producers in the California Bay-Delta watershed area, with a primary focus on the Sacramento River Watershed, the San Joaquin River Watershed, and the Tulare Lake Basin Watershed, about farming and conservation practices on cultivated and non-cultivated cropland. NASS representatives will visit nearly 1,764 farms in California and Oregon between September 2013 and February 2014 to collect information on farm production practices; chemical, fertilizer and manure applications; integrated pest management; and installed conservation practices.

The farmer questionnaire, NRCS questionnaire, and respondent booklet are available online.

Send comments, questions, or requests for additional data summaries to the NRI Help Desk.

USDA Rural Development Funding Opportunities Technical Assistance and Training Grant - USDA Rural Development is offering grants to identify and evaluate solutions to water problems relating to source, storage, treatment, and distribution, and to waste disposal problems relating to collection, treatment, and disposal, and to provide training that will improve the management, operation, and maintenance of water and waste disposal facilities ...Deadline: Jan. 13, 2014

Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) - USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for competetive grants to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities that will give them a business edge and, ultimately, stimulate economic growth and job creation... Deadline: February 24, 2014

• VAPG Application Webinar for Oregon Applicants - Jan. 16, 2014 at 10:00 AM PST:  To pre-register, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FJDCQ6F by close of business on January 9, 2014.
  Those who register online will receive registration confirmation and log-in instructions via e-mail by January 9. The webinar will be recorded and available on our website for those unable to participate on Jan. 16.

Partner Funding Opportunities The RKG Foundation Support for Education, Community, and  Health/Medicine - Letters of inquiry are being accepted at any time through the RKG website for programs that focus on K-12 and higher education, teacher development, literacy, community improvement, abuse prevention, youth development programs, the health and well-being of children and access to health services for the underserved. Nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and educational or governmental institutions are invited to submit a letter of inquiry. For more information, visit the website here.  Deadline: Ongoing (view the notice)


Rural Supporrt Through the Office on Violence Against Women - The Department of Justice is offering grants for projects that address and prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in rural areas... Deadline: Jan. 23, 2014

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Invites Applications for Midcareer Consultants Program - The program will provide up to two grants of up to $100,000 each to mid-career scholars from historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities working to address priorities in RWJF's program areas... Deadline for Preliminary Proposals: Jan. 25, 2014

Youth CareerConnect Program - The Department of Labor is offering grants to nonprofits and educational agencies for programs providing high school students with education and training that combines rigorous academic and technical curricula focused on specific in-demand occupations and industries. Deadline: Jan. 27, 2014. 

American College Health Foundation Seeks Applications for Student Wellness Programs - One $5,000 grant will be awarded in support of novel programs that address issues related to the retention and overall well-being of college students...Deadline: Jan. 31, 2014 

Environmental Education - The Captain Planet Foundation is offering funding to nonprofits and public schools for innovative programs that inspire youth to participate in community service through environmental stewardship activities. An additional priority is to fund programs that encourage environment-based education in schools...Deadline: Jan. 31, 2014  

Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas - The U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs has extended the deadline for grants for transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas... New Deadline: Feb. 3, 2014

Consolidated Grant Program to Address Children and Youth Experiencing Domestic and Sexual Assault and Engage Men and Boys as Allies - The Dept. of Justice is offering grants to nonprofit and public agencies for prevention and intervention activities that maximize community-based efforts and evidence-informed practices to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking... Deadline: Feb. 4, 2014

Veterans Grant Program - The Blackstone Charitable Foundation has funding for nonprofit organizations that show unique approaches to helping veterans either secure jobs or start their own businesses. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is intended to identify organizations that focus on providing business assistance and entrepreneurial skills for veterans. Grants of $10,000 to $50,000 will be provided in two program areas: Promoting Job Skills Development, and Advancing Veteran Business Development and Support... Deadline: Feb. 14, 2014

High School Equivalency Program (HEP) - The Dept. of Education is offering grants to nonprofits for High School Equivalency Program (HEP) grants to help migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their children obtain a general education diploma (GED) that meets the guidelines for high school equivalency established by the State in which the HEP project is conducted... Deadline: Feb. 19, 2014

Telehealth Resource Center Grant Program - Support for the establishment and development of Telehealth Resource Centers (TRCs) which provide technical assistance to health care organizations, health care networks, and health care providers in the implementation of telehealth programs to serve rural and medically underserved areas and populations. Sponsor: Office for the Advancement of Telehealth... Deadline: Feb. 25, 2014 

Indian Health Service Dental Externships - Externships for dental students interested in a career with the Indian Health Service Division of Oral Health or a Tribal site. Sponsor: Indian Health Service... Deadline:  Feb. 28, 2014

Sillerman Center for Advancement of Philanthropy Accepting Entries to Generous U Competition - The $10,000 Sillerman prize will be awarded to a student-based project that engages a substantial number of students in charitable giving; increases philanthropic awareness and a culture of giving on campus; and involves a model that can be adopted on other campuses... Deadline: March 3, 2014

Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Accepting Proposals for Collaborative Performing Arts Tours - Grants of up to $10,000 will support projects that increase access to live performing arts engagements across the mid-Atlantic region... Deadline: March 14, 2014

THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE is offering grants to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, and strengthen America's ability to compete in the global marketplace ... Deadline: March 14, 2014

THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION is offering funding to public agencies, nonprofits, Institutions of Higher Education and Indian Tribes for a wide variety of planning, community development and economic development projects to improve economic conditions for low-income people in economically distressed communities. Deadline: March 14, 2014.   

Mutual of America Foundation Accepting Applications for 2014 Community Partnership Awards - The annual $25,000 award recognizes outstanding contributions made by nonprofit organizations, in partnership with public, private, and other social sector organizations, to society... Deadline: April 1, 2014

Comments Requested DOT Proposed Primary Freight Network/NADO Provides Guideline to Members for Submitting Comments - In November, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) proposed a group of key highways to serve as a Primary Freight Network. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) included a requirement that the Secretary of Transportation designate up to 27,000 miles of existing interstate and other roadways as a Primary Freight Network (with the possible addition of 3,000 miles in the future). In the Federal Register notice, USDOT identifies 41,000 miles necessary to transporting goods efficiently on highways throughout the nation and requests comments from the public to help finalize the map. Click here to view maps of the Primary Freight Network by state and here to read the Federal Register notice. USDOT has extended the original comment period deadline for 30 days... Deadline for Comments: Jan. 17, 2014

Press Release

On December 16, 2013 a Lawsuit was filed in the Federal District Court in Washington DC that asks the Court to declare that the Retail Pet Store Rule is “arbitrary, capricious and inconsistent"  with law, and to remand the Rule back to the USDA.  The Lawsuit also seeks an injunction that would bar the USDA from enforcing the Retail Pet Store Rule.  The "Complaint" in the Lawsuit was filed on behalf of 42 Plaintiffs that consisted of Dog and Cat Clubs, Associations and a Registry.  Those 42 Plaintiffs included nearly 19,000 breeders who potentially would be adversely affected by the Rule.  Those 42 Plaintiffs represent less than 1% of the more than 5,500 Dog and Cat Clubs in the U.S., which supports the assertion that the Rule potentially affects far more than the 4,640 breeders that APHIS stated was the maximum number of breeders who potentially would be affected by the Rule. 

One of the cornerstone assertions in the Complaint is the fact that APHIS failed to document how it arrived at its figure of 4,640 breeders, which figure is exponentially below the number of hobby breeders who potentially could be affect by the Rule.

The Complaint also highlights deficiencies in the flawed cost analysis that woefully underestimated the cost of compliance.   Of note, was APHIS's repeated use of the words "unknown," "not known" and "uncertainty" in the mandatory Regulatory Impact Assessment and Cost Analysis that were prepared by APHIS.  In short, APHIS's Regulatory Impact Assessment and the Cost Analysis are irrevocably flawed.  Another flaw that was cited in the Complaint included the fact that USDA redefined the definition of a "retail pet store" without any statutory authority to do so.

Additional assertions included the failure of APHIS to address a number of issues that were raised in the 1,000s of Public Comments that were submitted to APHIS.  Those issues included, but were not limited to, cost of compliance; privacy; increased risk of spread of deadly diseases; increased risk of harassment by Animal Rights extremists; potential degradation of gene pools and loss of rare breeds; and lingering confusion that necessitated "Webinars" after the effective date of the Rule; and National Security.

Prior to the filing of the Lawsuit, a formal request was made to Secretary Vilsack to place a 60 day moratorium on the enforcement of the Rule, which was based in part on the following sentence:  "Moreover, APHIS's hosting of two webinars after the effective date indicates that it concedes the requirements and scope of the Rule are not easy to understand."   While it is unlikely that the Secretary will grant the request, the request was made to demonstrate an urgent need for injunctive relief.

In addition to the Lawsuit being filed, a Request for an Expedited Hearing will be submitted to the Court. 

We wish to take this opportunity to express our profound appreciation for the financial support of this endeavor by so many Clubs and Individuals.  Thank You!

Associated Dog Clubs of New York State (ADCNYS)

Additional information and updates at http://www.keepourdomesticanimals.com/

Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation
12/13/2013 01:00 AM EST

EQ-139, Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation(FOR State and County Offices)
DATE POSTED: 2013-12-13 DATE EFFECTIVE: 2013-12-13 STATUS: CURRENT

1 Dairy Program Subsidies
         47**   $2,057,448

2 Env. Quality Incentive Program
        63   $1,004,187

3 Disaster Payments
         174   $808,266

4 Livestock Subsidies
         171**   $702,295

5 Conservation Reserve Program
         32   $635,621

Witnesses Highlight Examples of How ESA Settlements are Harming Transparency, State and Local Economies, and Efforts to Conserve Species

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 12, 2013 - Today, the House Natural Resources Committee held an oversight hearing entitled “ESA Decisions by Closed-Door Settlement: Short-Changing Science, Transparency, Private Property, and State & Local Economies.” This hearing examined the impacts of the Endangered Species Act’s (ESA) closed-door mega-settlements on listing and critical habitat decisions and the need to reform this law to ensure that its focus is on recovering species while protecting jobs and local economies.

This oversight hearing is the fifth in a series this Committee has held on the Endangered Species Act this year. House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) announced at the hearing today that the Committee intends to advance common sense legislation to improve the ESA for the benefit of both species and people.

“Undoubtedly, some believe cramming hundreds of obscure species onto the ESA list under deadlines and blocking off huge swaths of land because of the settlements are ‘successes,’ but many areas of the country tell a different account of how these policies are impacting their communities, their economies, and ultimately, the species,” said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04). “The ‘listing-by-litigation’ approach is not working for people and species.”

Witnesses at the hearing highlighted the importance of local conservation efforts already underway and how deadlines dictated by closed-door mega-settlements with litigious groups are driving federal listing decisions rather than sound science guided by transparent information.

Jeff Sikes, Legislative Director for the Association of Arkansas Counties, called into question the federal government’s “sue-and-settle” practices leading to questionable ESA listings. “Litigation has devastated the West, and now appears prepared to wreak the same sort of havoc in the South/Southeast. The Neosho Mucket and the Rabbitsfoot Mussel have the potential of putting 42% of our state’s watershed into critical habitat. There should be no attempts by the Fish and Wildlife Service to minimize the impacts that may be visited upon the landowners, most of whom work their tails off every day, to support their families and pay taxes.”

Carl Albrecht, CEO of Garkane Energy Cooperative, highlighted the need for listing decisions to be driven by transparent and sound information and shared with the Committee the negative effects that these listing decisions are having on rural communities. “Federal agencies begin treating species as threatened before they are ever listed under the ESA. Such is the case with the Sage Grouse in our area.  Some scientific documents on Sage Grouse released by the Department of the Interior have raised serious questions about the data and analysis used in the reports along with concerns over potential conflicts of interest among peer reviewers of the documents.” Albrecht added, “We continue incurring expenses to mitigate impacts based on the information from these reports…Garkane and other rural electric cooperatives across the nation believe that, in this the 40th year of the Act, we must look at some type of reform to alleviate the ever escalating economic burden being placed on the backs of a few.”

Greg Foley, Executive Director for the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation, shared with the Committee the devastating impact that a listing would have on successful state and local conservation efforts of the Lesser Prairie Chicken.  “Agriculture is the economic driver in Kansas; negative impact to that engine means schools will close, population will decline, jobs will be lost...Because the vast majority of the Lesser Prairie Chicken range is under private ownership, a federal listing will likely hinder our ability to conserve the species rather than increase populations as intended.”  Foley called on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to “expedite consideration of all plans” to make sure the needs of local communities, economies, and affected species are met.

Megan Maxwell, Consulting Biologist from Broomfield, Colorado, pointed out the serious flaws and lack of transparency of the federal National Technical Team (NTT) report for Greater Sage Grouse. “The technical and policy flaws contained in the NTT Report are considerable and must be addressed before it is fully implemented as the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach will produce misguided land management policies that will not benefit sage-grouse range-wide.  Such policies will not provide the best approach to sage-grouse habitat conservation and enhancement because sage-grouse conservation measures must be custom-tailored to reflect site-specific conditions.  Failure to address this problem in the NTT Report could result in ecologically devastating consequences, while broad application could conflict with FLPMA and other laws.”
###
 
Contact: Committee Press Office 202-226-9019

June, 2013 marks the 75th anniversary of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).  The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is an annual codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal
Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The purpose of the CFR is to present the official and complete text of agency regulations in one organized publication and to provide a comprehensive and convenient reference for all those who may need to know the text of general and
permanent Federal regulations.

The CFR is divided into 50 titles representing broad areas subject to Federal regulation.

To locate the current regulations pertaining to CFR Title 20, Employees' Benefits, click here.

July 5, 2012

SAOVA friends,

As you know APHIS has proposed a rule to regulate sellers in the retail sector. For the majority of us compliance with
USDA Licensing is not an option. It does not matter how well you think you care for your animals, Federal regulations are not flexible and do not allow for your own discretion.  You must strictly adhere to what the regulations and your
inspector say are acceptable equipment, care, and husbandry practices.

The rule will penalize many hard-working Americans caught up under this regulation who are not operating as true businesses. If required to hold a license, you can be fined by USDA simply for being at work and not being home to
let the inspector onto your property.

APHIS released a revised FAQ today in which they attempt to answer questions concerning who will be regulated under the proposed rule.  While the FAQ contains new APHIS staff explanations of "face-to-face" contact, primary enclosures, and kennels, none of  these interpretations are carried over into the regulations. A revision to the
AWA containing a separate set of regulations for in-home breeders has not been written or posted; therefore nothing in this fight has changed. The comment period still ends July 16. 

JOIN THE SAOVA OPPOSITION LIST

Urge Congress to take action to stop APHIS from regulating us out of existence.  To add your organization's name send an email signed by an officer of the organization stating opposition to: Susan Wolf [email protected].  
Please include organization address.

View the list at
http://www.saova.org/APHIS_Opposition.List.html 

Many thanks to all who have already signed on! Cross posting is encouraged.  



Susan Wolf
Sportsmen's & Animal Owners' Voting Alliance
Working to Identify and Elect Supportive
Legislators
[email protected]


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NPRM DOCKET No. DOT-OST-2010-0211
Reports by Air Carriers on Incidents Involving Animals During Air Transport

DOT is proposing to amend its existing rule regarding the reporting of incidents involving animals during air transport, 14 CFR 234.13, to expand the reporting requirement to U.S. carriers that operate scheduled service with at least one
aircraft with a design capacity of more than 60 seats, to expand the definition of "animal" to include all cats and dogs transported by the carrier, regardless of whether the cat or dog is transported as a pet by its owner or as part of a
commercial shipment (e.g., shipped by a breeder), and to require all covered carriers to provide in their December reports the total number of animals that were lost, injured, or died during air transport. 

 
BACKGROUND
On August 10, 2010, Senators Richard Durbin, Robert Menendez, and Joseph Lieberman wrote to the Secretary of Transportation urging the Department to amend the rule so that airlines would be required to report all incidents involving the loss, injury, or death of cats and dogs that occur while they are traveling in an airline's care. In addition, the DOT received a petition for rulemaking from the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF). In its petition, ALDF requested that regulation requiring the reporting of loss, injury, or death of animals in air transport be revised to require airlines to report any such incident involving animals they carry. In a press release ALDF stated, "Current Regulations Ignore Deaths, Injuries to Animals Shipped by Puppy Mill Operators. Whether an animal is shipped as a pet or as an item of commerce has no bearing whatsoever on that animal's ability to suffer." ALDF contends
that the data currently collected by the Department capture only incidents affecting pets, even though pets make up only part of the total number of animals transported by airlines. ALDF's proposal would apply to ALL species of
animals, not just cats and dogs. 

This NPRM proposes to expand the applicability of the rule to require all U.S. carriers that operate scheduled service with at least one aircraft with a design capacity of more than 60 passenger seats to submit a report to the ACPD on any incidents involving the loss, injury, or death of an animal during air transportation within 15 days after the end of the month during which the incident occurred.

The DOT seeks comments on whether the definition of an animal should be expanded further to include not only dogs and cats in commercial shipments but all species of animals in commercial air transportation. The DOT is seeking
comment, rather than proposing specific language on expanding the definition of an animal to apply to all species of animals, at this time as the overwhelming majority of incidents currently reported to DOT by airlines have involved cats
and dogs.

The DOT also seeks comments on whether the number of cats, dogs, and household pets has been increasing or decreasing in recent  years; and whether the total number of animals transported should be reported each month.

COMMENTS should be filed by August 28, 2012. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable.

Comments may be submitted at the Federal Register Portal 
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=DOT-OST-2010-0211-0008

CASES SEEK "LEGAL PERSONHOOD" FOR ANIMALS
The NBI CLE Blog posted a comment by Michael Kaiser, president of the Kaiser Legal Group, founder of Seattle Legal Research, and contributor to what is expected to be globally ground-breaking animal-law litigation.   Kaiser writes, "The Nonhuman Rights Project is currently preparing to bring cases in multiple state courts seeking
legal personhood for animals. Legal personhood is similar to, but more encompassing than, "standing," with the overall goal being for animals'  interests, as purported sentient beings, to be representable in court. Currently
animals are viewed, in almost all instances, as various forms of property, and property, in itself, obviously does not have rights. These expected court actions are no secret. Professor Steven Wise, noted animal-law scholar, lawyer,
and founder of the Nonhuman Rights Project, has presented details of the cases in many forums."
More at http://tinyurl.com/ct3v8zp

Related Links:
SAOVA  Alert
the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensing and regulations

June 15, 2012
SAOVA friends,

Animal ownership continues to be under attack at an alarming rate.  The APHIS proposed rule changes the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and USDA responsibility forever by broadly extending regulation throughout the retail sector. Concerns for potential invasions of privacy that would result if federal inspectors began enforcing cleaning, sanitation, handling, and other regulatory requirements in private homes is why Congress has previously not amended the AWA and USDA has not revised its long-standing policy to regulate only within the wholesale sector.  In the retail sector breeders, sellers, and rescuers work in widely varied environments utilizing practices which work best for them, their breeds, and their goals.  Attempting to cover retailers with a one-size fits all blanket of regulation is not only unworkable but will be disastrous for many animal owners.

If you are not clear on the impact federal licensing and regulation will have on you, please read the attached document, "Living with USDA Licensing".  The file is also posted at the SAOVA website.

 If you care about the future of pets, health and genetic diversity of breeds, the ability to exchange breeding stock between friends, or the ability to maintain a small business, then you MUST submit a comment through the Federal
Register portal before July 16.  

This is not a race for signatures so petitions and form letters to APHIS only count as one comment from
the organizer.   Your individual comments and how this affects you make the difference.  

Susan Wolf
Sportsmen's & Animal Owners' Voting Alliance

Working to Identify and Elect Supportive Legislators
[email protected] 

WMC - INDUSTRY WARNED OVER UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF CHANGES
08 June 2012. FRANCE - The global meat industry was warned to take a lesson to from the decline of the horse slaughter industry in the US at the World Meat Congress in Paris last week, writes Chris Harris. 

Former congressman Charlie Stenholm said that the complete decline of the horse slaughter industry and the closure
of slaughterhouses for horses led by animal rights activists had had severe implications for animal welfare and for the entire horse industry in the US. He warned that other sectors in the meat industry are also at risk from activists
demanding changes to welfare conditions - "the unintended consequences," he said.

The closure of horse abattoirs had meant that horses were being transported long distances for slaughter in Canada or Mexico or they were being left to die by owners who could no longer care for them, he told the World Meat Congress. 

Mr. Stenholm said the situation had arisen because of a vocal minority, who believed horse slaughter was cruel. However, he said that the loss of the slaughter industry had increased the number of cases of poor treatment and welfare because owners could not afford to either care for the animals or have them euthanized.

He warned the world meat congress that if animal rights activists through well-meaning but misguided campaigns turned on other sectors of the meat industry; it could have similar detrimental effects on the entire industry in some countries.

"It is coming in other areas,"  former congressman Stenholm said.

"We have it in cages for layers and sow stalls - but what should the size of the cage for layers be and what should the
size of the stall be?  We are going ahead with it without taking a look at the cost of it."

He warned that excessive ill-thought out changes to regulations of how animals are produced and reared and slaughtered could bring problems in producing food to feed the world.

"If we in the meat industry do not come together and do a better job of educating consumers about what we do
and the way we are doing it, we face the possibility of losing out beef, pork and poultry industry," Mr. Stenholm said.

Chris Harris,
Editor-in-Chief

Reprinted with permission

http://www.thepigsite.com/swinenews/29968/wmc-industry-warned-over-unintended-consequences-of-changes  
 
http://tinyurl.com/78btfdr 

 STOP THE PROPOSED APHIS RULE IN THREE EASY STEPS
The Cavalry Group, June  14, 2012.  
Once again, we face a fundamental threat to our right to animal ownership in the United States.  USDA, through its bureaucratic agency APHIS, is proposing a new regulation to require that ALL pet breeders who have five or
more intact females and sell pets outside of the area where they were bred (i.e. online or at a tradeshow) obtain a USDA license and come into compliance with the Animal Welfare Act.

That means if you sell even ONE animal outside of the premises of your breeding facility, you will be required to spend
thousands of dollars complying with the AWA and to open your business for USDA inspection.   As you know, small breeders cannot afford these onerous regulatory burdens.  MANY small American breeding businesses will be bankrupted by this rule, and MANY American jobs will be lost.  We have also engaged our attorneys and experts at Olsson, Frank, and Weeda to provide a legal opinion and flowchart  for your reference.
http://tinyurl.com/7mof5hk   

THIS RULE MUST BE STOPPED!
The Cavalry Group, a member-based organization which supports and defends the Constitutional rights of American animal owners, has prepared a plan of action to DEFEAT THIS RULE.  If you do nothing else, please complete
Step 1, as political pressure from Congress will have a HUGE effect on the decision made by USDA.  Steps 2 and 3, however, are also important parts of our program.  These easy steps should take no more than a few minutes of your time and could very well save your business!

Step 1: Contact your Congressman
Congress determines the levels of funding for USDA and APHIS. 
When a Congressman calls, USDA is sure to answer.  We need to let OUR
Congressmen know that we do not support this rule, and that its passage would
cost their district JOBS.  The Cavalry Group has developed a sample letter and
contact form to make this process as simple as possible. Remember it is always
best to customize your letter and make it personal.  Follow this link here and
TAKE ACTION NOW! http://tinyurl.com/7qqdlqn  

Step 2: File a Comment with USDA
APHIS is required by federal law to accept and respond to any comments
about the proposed rule that are submitted.  The Cavalry Group has provided an
easy to use guide to commenting on proposed rules.  We need to let the
bureaucrats know how this rule will affect our businesses!  Follow this link and
comment today! http://tinyurl.com/7vd9xd5  

Step 3: Contact Secretary Vilsack
Everyone knows 2012 is an election year.  We need to let the current
administration know that putting pet breeders out of business is not the way to
turn this economy around!  The Cavalry Group has prepared a sample letter and
contact form to get our message to the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. 
Follow this link and send a letter today!  http://tinyurl.com/82qnr3l

The Cavalry Group believes that American citizens have the right to raise and sell animals without federal agents regularly snooping through their property.  If everyone follows the above steps and lets their elected representatives know that we can raise our own animals without help from the nannies in Washington DC, we will DEFEAT this rule and deal a major blow to the enemies of American agriculture.



BILL TO BAN BEAR HUNTING WITH DOGS SET FOR HEARING ON JUNE 26TH
CALIFORNIA. SB 1221 (Lieu), legislation that would outlaw the use of dogs for hunting bears and bobcats in California, has been officially set for hearing on June 26th in the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife.  The hearing will begin at 9:00 AM.  Room number is yet to be determined.
 
It is critical that all of those who care about the future of hunting in California join COHA in strong opposition to this bill at the hearing and let their voice be heard.  It is also important that members of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee hear from you prior to the hearing. CALL and WRITE committee members TODAY! For a sample opposition letter and Legislator contact information. http://tinyurl.com/6t7js3u  

 If you hunt with dogs - or if you hunt at all - this measure is a severe threat to you. SB 1221 is largely based on the argument that hunting of bears and bobcats with dogs does not represent the "fair chase" of these species. As
such, this legislation not only threatens the long-standing tradition of hunting these species with hounds, but would set precedent placing the hunting of pheasants, quail, ducks and other species with dogs in serious jeopardy.  Further, the bill is fully consistent with the statement of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) that they will attack hunting in California first, taking it one species at a time, until all types of hunting are eliminated - then take their forces to other states.

 

FLORIDA ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST CLAIMS THREATS ARE FREE SPEECH
A Florida animal rights activist is arguing that discussions of graphic violence against a Wayne State University animal researcher, Dr. Donal O'Leary, are federally protected free speech and not stalking. In Detroit's 36th District Court, Camille Marino, 47, said she never intended to act on the violence she wrote about in an Oct. 22, 2011, e-mail to Dr. Donal O'Leary. The physiologist is in charge of cardiovascular research at Wayne State's medical school and conducts research on dogs and rats.

"I'm not a violent person," said Marino, accompanied by two women wearing T-shirts with the words "Wayne State murders and tortures dogs" on the back. Her defense attorney, Matt Savich, said Marino's actions are free speech protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Marino is charged with aggravated stalking and unlawful posting of messages online, both five-year felonies, and trespassing.  One email  included threats to strap O'Leary down and cut off his limbs with rusty saws, rip his teeth out one-by-one with pliers and pound them into his skull.  Full story at Detroit Free Press  http://tinyurl.com/7r5ctty 

A SAOVA message to sportsmen, farmers and pet owners concerned about protecting their traditions, avocations and livelihoods from anti-hunting, anti-breeding, animal guardianship advocates. Forwarding and cross posting, with attribution, encouraged.
 
June 6, 2012

SAOVA friends,

As you know by now, APHIS proposes to revise the definition of "retail pet store" to bring more pet animals sold at retail under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensing and regulations. APHIS plans to narrow the definition of retail pet store so that it means a PLACE OF BUSINESS OR RESIDENCE THAT EACH BUYER PHYSICALLY ENTERS in
order to personally observe the animals available for sale prior to purchase and/or to take custody of the animals after purchase. Under the proposed rule no dog or other pet animal will be sold at retail WITHOUT either public or APHIS
oversight.  This is the critical point.

WHAT WE KNOW
- For decades pet sellers in the retail sector have enjoyed immunity from federal licensing under the definition of a "retail pet store".   Historically retail sellers were not licensed by the federal government due to the general ability of the public to provide their own scrutiny of pet sellers and government concerns such as duplicative efforts with state or local laws.

 - The proposed rule change has been circulated in the media and by HSUS as "closing an Internet loophole" in the AWA that will bring regulation to unscrupulous dog breeders who operate in substandard conditions.  Far from it!! The broad scope of the proposed rule could bring hundreds of thousands of pet retailers and rescuers of domestic animals under federal regulation.  

- A breeder/seller of any species currently covered under the "retail pet store" definition can potentially lose their
exemption and be required to obtain a federal license for even occasionally selling sight unseen via the Internet.  "Covered" species includes dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, gophers, chinchilla,
domestic ferrets, domestic farm animals, birds.

 - The proposed rule would require EVERY SINGLE BUYER to physically visit a retailer's premises.  Therefore selling even one pet OFF PREMISES at a show, at a park, or arranged  location without the buyer visiting first, will result in loss of an exemption from federal licensing. Rescue organizations are NOT exempt from this proposed rule.  Selling pets at an adoption day event away from their base location or traveling to meet potential adopters would no longer be permitted without a federal license. This proposed requirement places undue limitations on buyers as  well as sellers. 

- Living under USDA licensing is NOT an option for the average retail seller. Spare rooms in homes, porches, covered kennel runs, and barns can never be converted to a USDA-compliant facility.  Federal engineered standards for licensed facilities dictate enclosure sizes,  sanitation, surfaces that are impervious to moisture, ventilation, bio-hazard
control, veterinary care, exercise, temperature controls, waste disposal systems, diurnal lighting, drainage systems, washrooms, perimeter fencing, as well as transportation standards for regulated animals.  Most residential
environments would not permit zoning variances for such facilities.

- Exemptions from licensing are limited. Breeders of cats, dogs, and small exotic animals are currently exempt if they have 3 or fewer breeding females. APHIS proposes to increase this to 4 or fewer breeding females.   However, either limit makes it very difficult to build a breeding program without constantly moving out or spaying older females to make room for the next generation.  To have more than this number of breeding females requires a license. 

- There is still an exemption for sellers who derive less than $500 gross income from the sale of other animals (this does not include dogs, cats, and exotic or wild animals).

 - The massive expansion of regulatory responsibilities into the private sector outlined in the proposed rule is not only impractical but unaffordable for an agency that is currently addressing serious budget challenges. For the past several years, APHIS' budget has been shrinking; since 2010 the budget has decreased by roughly 10 percent. The 2013 submitted budget calls for an additional decrease of 6.6%.

 
ACTION REQUIRED
OPPOSE adoption of this proposed rule.  APHIS needs to hear most from those who are likely to be
affected by the rule. Are you already licensed under local or state law and  would federal regulation be a duplicate effort? Explain briefly how the rule will impose costs on your breeding program and activities and whether this will
cause you to cease or limit your hobby or operations. 

Suggested comments are available at the SAOVA website http://saova.org/APHIS_comments.html  
and can be customized.



Submit a separate comment for each point you wish to make in opposition to the rule. Comment period ends July 16,
2012.



Post comments at the APHIS portal
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2011-0003-0001  

Send a copy of your comment to Congressman and reference Docket No. APHIS-2011-0003

Directory of Representatives http://www.house.gov/representatives/
Directory of Senators
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm  




ADDITIONAL INFORMATION can be found at PIJAC http://tinyurl.com/cq4qlmv  
and at the Cat Fanciers Association http://tinyurl.com/6ow8qug




Susan Wolf
Sportsmen's & Animal Owners' Voting Alliance

Working to Identify and Elect Supportive Legislators

[email protected]