This one would make Bill & Jimmy proud. Like they don’t already have enough,  the federal land managers can’t manage what they have. Their idea of resource management is lock it from the public but make them, the public,  pay the feds to be the  guardian so they can  protect the land from us. I wonder what the reaction would be if a few million acres of New York or Massachusetts was locked up. I rate the  1906 Antiquities Act about the same as the ESA they both accomplish absolutely nothing  but a way to control more land.

House Committee Wants to See Full “Monument Memo”

6/23/10

A key U.S. House Committee that oversees natural resource issues voted for a resolution calling for the disclosure of all pages from an Obama Administration memo that examined the setting aside of millions of acres of federal lands as new “National Monuments.” Parts of the memo were circulated earlier in the year and raised concerns among many sportsmen groups that hunting, currently allowed on these areas, could be prohibited on any lands receiving the designations.

On June 16, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee passed House Resolution 1406, sponsored by Representative Doc Hastings (WA), the ranking Republican on the committee. The resolution calls on the Secretary of the Interior to release all documents related to the memo in question within 14 days of the legislation’s passage.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) previously reported on this memo in March.  The memo identifies approximately 13 million acres in nine western states for “National Monument” designation under the 1906 Antiquities Act.  The Act allows the President to make these designations without Congressional approval or local input.

A Monument designation does not automatically limit hunting or other uses.  However, experience has shown that this designation can have a negative impact on access and conservation efforts.  For example, President Carter created millions of acres of National Park Service Monuments in Alaska which immediately closed the areas to sport hunting.  It took a subsequent act of Congress to undo many of these hunting closures.

The memo caused a firestorm of controversy, leading numerous Representatives to seek additional documents from the Obama Administration despite repeated statements from Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar that the piece was only intended for planning purposes and that a public process would take place before any designations.

Though the resolution cleared a committee, it remains unclear if the full House will take the issue up for vote.

The USSA continues to maintain that any change in public land use should only occur after open discussion with stakeholders allowing them to voice their concerns.

Here is my original source: http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=2470&frcrld=1

I you have an extra 50 buck’s burning a hole in your pocket you could put it to a good cause. USSA is raffling off a gun a week starting this month and going through May 2011. They are only issuing 1000 tickets so you better hurry if you want a shot at one of the prizes. I’m not a big on national organizations I favor those closer to home. I go more for the grassroots organizations with local control and people involved however this is one I do support USSA puts a lot into big game hunting and our hunting heritage. So if you have it spend this is going to a good cause.

2010-11 52-Gun Raffle

Sportsmen can now purchase tickets for a weekly drawing that could put brand new firearms or bows in their hands while protecting their hunting rights. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation’s 52-Gun Raffle sponsored by Vance’s Shooters Supplies and Buckeye Outdoors.  Click here to see their current ad.

Only 1,000 3-digit tickets (numbered 000-999) will be sold for $50 each. Winning numbers will be determined by the Ohio Lottery’s Pick 3 drawing on Monday nights. Ticket holders can win more than once.

The raffle will begin June 7, 2010.  To purchase tickets, click here to visit our online store or contact the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation at (614) 888-4868. Out of state participants may purchase tickets via the USSA online store only.

Learn more here