Target: Deb Haaland, Nominee for Secretary of the Department of the Interior
Goal: Provide federal protection to endangered whitebark pine trees.
A tree that nourishes grizzly bears and squirrels and that helps maintain alpine conditions across wide swaths of forest is in imminent danger. Whitebark pine trees cover the upper elevations of many beloved national parks, from Yellowstone to Yosemite, and can live for a millennium. These trees that protect vital ecosystems are now threatened by a fungal disease and ravaging beetle populations unleashed by climate change.
Currently, half of these trees in America have been decimated. Since the trees can take decades to reach maturity, this species could become extinct without urgent action. Because of the ongoing risks, conservationists have long petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list this important threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The petition is finally under review with a decision possibly coming early in 2021. The agency has now opened up the matter to public comment.
Sign the petition below to protect a special tree that is an essential centerpiece of America’s natural landscape.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Representative Haaland,
Over 70 percent of the whitebark pine trees that sustain alpine ecosystems call America home. Now half of the trees are gone. Human activity has helped put these vital plants under threat. Human action should in turn drive the recovery of an essential species.
The Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee has already unveiled a plan to help rescue these trees. This plan should be central to a united effort between the U.S. and Canada to save their shared natural treasure. As a needed first step, the Fish and Wildlife Service can at last recognize whitebark pines under the Endangered Species Act and furnish the protections that come with such a classification.
Please help make this important action one of your first acts of office when you are confirmed as Secretary of the Department of the Interior.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
These selfish jerks must be stopped from destroying our precious environment, wildlife etc. for their own gain. IN MY OPINION
Congratulations, Ms.Haaland. Glad you got the job. Now, GET TO WORK!
PLEASE save these trees, essential to the health of both flora and fauna in alpine ecosystems!
Deb Haaland, Nominee for Secretary of the Department of the Interior
Provide federal protection to endangered whitebark pine trees.
A tree that nourishes grizzly bears and squirrels and that helps maintain alpine conditions across wide swaths of forest is in imminent danger. Whitebark pine trees cover the upper elevations of many beloved national parks, from Yellowstone to Yosemite, and can live for a millennium. These trees that protect vital ecosystems are now threatened by a fungal disease and ravaging beetle populations unleashed by climate change.
Ancient WHITEBARK PINE TREES must be SAVED! These trees are a part of a precious and unique ECO-SYSTEM!
Deb Haaland
This is once again a no brainer. Protect the trees…protect the environment/planet!
Since your job is a desk job – there must be time to do research and trying to find a solution!
Even better – take a hike up into the mountains, you may gain a better understanding and appreciation for what is on the way of becoming a lost paradise.