Example Letter #4
January 30, 2001
Editor
Oregonian
1320 SW Broadway
Portland, Oregon 97201
To the Editor:
I was encouraged by reading the January 29th Oregonian article "Endangered Species, Not for Long?". The Endangered Species Conservation and Management Act (ESCMA) which was recently funded for ten years and approved by Congress is the icing on the cake in preserving and protecting America’s natural treasures. This Act is an bipartisan effort to be responsible land stewards and ensure that our children, our children’s children and generations to follow will be able to experience the wonders of the American frontier.
It was refreshing to see the legislators did not let corporate profits and industry greed betray the legacy of the original Endangered Species Act. As the article pointed out, there was much effort to defeat the passage of this important legislation.
Under the ESCMA, the best available scientific evidence will be used to determine which species are in danger of extinction. The goals of this Act are to protect the species and its habitat, as well as facilitate recovery of the species. Since the original Endangered Species Act in 1973, eight species have been recovered and removed from the endangered list, including the national symbol - the bald eagle. Many others are approaching recovery with nearly 50% of all species now on the list at a point of stable or improving condition. The approved ESCMA will ensure a solid road to recovery for these species.
Additionally, half the prescription drugs in use today are derived from natural sources and only 5% of the world’s plant species have been studied for their medicinal value. The ESCMA clears a path of support for research into new medicinal discoveries and cures from protected plant species. The Endangered Species Acts are not just about protecting plant and animal species and habitats; ultimately it is about saving and protecting people. This is indeed a glorious bipartisan achievement for all citizens and Mother Earth.
Henri Species
Henri Species
1000 Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon 97201
503/699-9991