Columnist Paula Del Giudice: Endangered Species Act is in dangers

Wednesday, March 25, 1998 | 9:55 a.m.

PAULA DEL GIUDICE has been an outdoors freelance writer, author and photographer for 13 years. Her column appears Wednesdays.

THE ENDANGERED Species Act legislation seems to be languishing in the Senate. The unpopular bill introduced last year was opposed by conservation organizations even though it received early support from Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt and the Clinton administration.

What support the bill had is fizzling and controversial language is the culprit according to Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., one of the bill's authors.

Recently, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the non-partisan research arm of the Library of Congress, released an analysis of S. 1180. The study states:

"The bill lacks the usual checks on agency actions, such as meaningful public input, non-agency review, peer review and judicial review. (CRS-12, 13).

"The scope of exceptions provided ... and the scope of remaining judicial review is not clear, and these issues go to the basic duties of federal agencies to ensure the survival and recovery of listed species. (CRS-12)

"If any agency chooses not to notify the Secretary that an action 'may affect' species, there is not stated recourse for the Secretary to intervene, and the agency decision may not be reviewable under a citizen suit provision. (CRS-35)"

* FISHING PICKS UP: Fishing for trout is usually good in lakes and reservoirs just as the ice is coming off. Reports from around Nevada indicate that's the recent case. Anglers who enjoy fishing the Ruby Marshes of Elko County will appreciate the news that fishing has been good in the South Sump at the main boat landings. Anglers are using float tubes to catch trout in the 8-pound class on flies. Woolly Buggers, Zug Bugs, Sheep Creeks and Hare's Ears are popular. The Collection Ditch also has been good for trout. Don't forget that the boating opener doesn't take place at the Marshes until June 15. Fishing has picked up at South Fork Reservoir. Anglers are picking up trout cruising along the dam. At Wild Horse Reservoir, it is predicted that ice fishing is going to last another week or so.

* ANGLERS TO BENEFIT: The U.S. Senate's recent passage of the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund is being hailed by the American Sportfishing Association as a victory for recreational anglers, according to the Nevada Division of Wildlife. Last week the Senate voted to pass the Sport Fishing and Boating Improvement Act which will continue funding for the Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Recreational Boating Safety Program. Wallop-Breaux will also, for the first time, set aside funds specifically for youth outreach. Wallop-Breaux funding comes from taxes on boat fuel and sportfishing equipment. Last year the fund provided more than $273 million to the states to improve fish habitat and public launch ramps. The bill must be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives before it can become law.

* HUNTER ED: The Nevada Division of Wildlife will introduce a new workbook and field guide during a special course that will be held Monday and Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at Guinn Junior High, 4150 South Torrey Pines. Students must obtain and study a workbook from NDOW prior to attending the class. A test will be held the first day. Those who pass will be permitted to attend the six-hour class. Hunter education classes normally run for approximately 12 hours. By reviewing the workbook in advance of the class, students will obtain basic knowledge, permitting the course to be condensed. Students who complete the class will be given Nevada hunter education cards. The cost is $5 at the door. To register call NDOW at 486-5127.