BOARD02200

• Board Meeting Date: 3/26/2001
• Description: CWCB Director's Report
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

I believe there are good Ideas all over America. not Just in Washington - and I believe in the
value of developing partnerships and listening to people.

We can taka the challenge and chart a new path for environmental protection. We can break
away from coercive, bureaucraiic approaches. In theJong run, these approaches are
counterproductive. They create conflict and turn atte~tlon away from problem solving.

For example, we can build on the principle of respect for property rights. Farmers and ranchers
are often the best stewards of the land. We can achieve more by working with them. and
9Spitallzing on their Intimate knowledge of the land t~ey depend on and the land they love.

Let me give you an example. Suppose you were out ;walking on your farm one day, and found
an incredibly rare type of mineral- something that was highly valued by people all across the
world. You would be exclted and happy - because obviously you would soon be extremely
wealthy. '

On the other hand, suppose you make a similar discpvery, but the discovery Is a rare and
beautiful bird. Thousands of avid bird watchers woul~ give lheir eye-teeth just for a glimpse -
and lucky you, one has landed on your farm. You're so happy... right?

Wrongllnstead of great wealth, you face economic devastation.

There Is something profoundly wrong with a sysiem that gives such perverse results. It creates
conflict and hardship, Instead of environmental stewardship.

A great example of diverse groups working together ilnvolves the Aplomado falcon.

These are magnificent birds adorned with steel-grayiwingS, a long dark tall, and white eye
stripes. But until recently, the falcons only Inhabited parts of Latin America, after being uprooted
from their historical habitat in the Southern U.S. !

However, with the Initiative of a private non-profit organization, The Peregrine Fund, this Is
changing. The Peregrine Fund partnered with a National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to release 26
young falcons on federally owned property. .

Subsequent releases have been made on the Arkal'\sas National Wildlife Refuge - and with a
partnership on a private ranch. So far, over 100 falc?ns have been released and - over 70
percent reached Independence. Because a private group partnered with the federal government
and a local rancher - today this falcon Is flying high. ,,,

It will be challengli1g to move from our currant system of conflict to one of cooperation - but with
President Bush, we can make it happen.

For example, President Bush has proposed USing la.ndowner Incentive programs to give
technical assistance, habitat enhancement tools, an~ financial reward to foster win-win solutions
- benefitting landowners, endangered species and our national treasures.

We must also herness 21 S\ century technology to hdlp our environment. Where we once needed
scores of 011 wells to tap underground reserves, tod+y we can use one hole on the surface to
drill for 01111'1 a circle extending seven miles away. Vl(e can use the resources below the ground
while we preserve the landscape and habitat above.

President Bush has also committed to rejuvenating our natlonal parks after years of neglect. We
now have a $5 billion backlog of maintenance projects.

That's Why the Department of Interior will send spe4iallsts to our parks to determine what needs
to be done and work to eliminate the backlogs that have for too long been obstacles to resource
protection and enjoyment by American families. !

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