Izaak Walton League of America

For the Izaak Walton League of America, defending longstanding Clean Water Act protections for streams and wetlands is in our DNA. The EPA rule issued in December follows the law, science, and common sense and must be upheld. Maintaining these protections is essential for hunting and angling, the outdoor recreation economy and public health.

On whitetail deer populations. As we better understand nature, the food web and the value of hunting—with all their nuances—we can better recognize our own connections and responsibilities to the natural world that sustains us.

The toxic spill demonstrates the interconnected nature of our waters. Pollutants discharged into small streams invariably flow to larger rivers, lakes and drinking water reservoirs. That’s why it is vital that small streams – even those that may not flow all year long – remain protected by the Clean Water Act. This reaffirms the League’s commitment to fight efforts in Congress and federal courts to undermine these protections.

Conservation issues enjoy bipartisan support. Republicans, Democrats and Independents all agree on the fundamental need for clean air, clean water and preserving the places that provide wildlife habitat and enjoyment of outdoor recreation. But success in achieving these priorities in Congress and with federal agencies requires that we all speak up.

Today, the EPA confirms what we have been saying for years: Bristol Bay’s fish and wildlife are its most valuable and most sustainable natural resources. Putting them at risk for short-term exploitation of minerals imperils more than just salmon and bears, but a unique way of life including the 14,000 jobs that depend on a healthy ecosystem in the Bristol Bay watershed.