News
Wildlife Expert Warns Minnesotans that Climate
Change Threatens Duck Hunting and Trout Fishing
April 6, 2006
Contact: Kelly Scanlan 651-247-1047 or Tom Kelly 612-309-3303
ST. PAUL, MN (April 6, 2006) Speaking before state lawmakers and staff today, wildlife expert Dr. Doug Inkley warned the group that unless action is taken to address global climate change Minnesota will see a dramatic drop in the duck and coldwater trout population. Inkley’s speech was supported by a coalition of groups including the Minnesota Natural Legacy Campaign (MNLC).
During his presentation Inkley explained how climate change would cause wetlands needed by ducks and other migratory birds to shrink and disappear. Without the wetlands, a number of which are located in Minnesota, the duck population could be cut by 60% in the coming years. Inkley also discussed that unless action is taken, global warming will lead to warm water temperatures, which will cut the population of cold-water fish including lake and brook trout.
“I think Dr. Inkley today confirmed what many lawmakers already know, that climate change is a pressing problem that we need to deal with now,” said Kelly Scanlan, Director of the MNLC. “Minnesota elected officials have had a long history of protecting the outdoors, and taking action to address global warming is the next step in that tradition.”
In addition to being part of Minnesota’s great tradition of outdoor activities, hunting and fishing also are a big part of the state’s economy. Figures show that every year a combined 360,000 people visit Minnesota for either trout fishing or duck hunting. According to state government figures hunting and fishing annually help bring in over $200 million to the state and creates 15,000 jobs.
“I was glad Dr. Inkley took the time to show the economic impact of not dealing with global climate change,” stated Scanlan. “I believe Minnesotans want their elected leaders to understand that doing what is good for the environment can also be good for the economy.”
Dr. Inkley is the Senior Science Advisor to the National Wildlife Federation, and earned his Ph.D. at the University of Wyoming in the fields of ecology and wildlife management. In addition to the MNLC, Inkley’s speech was sponsored by the Minnesota Conservation Federation, National Wildlife Federation, and the National Environmental Trust.
The MNLC is a group of concerned citizens who recognize that human activities are changing the Earth’s climate in a way that threatens our natural heritage, our economy, and our quality of life. To find out more about coalition or the issue please visit www.mnlegacy.com.