The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s website claims it is the “guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife, and marine resources” and it “works in partnership with the public to conserve, manage and protect these resources and their habitats.”
But that’s not true. It doesn’t even represent the majority’s interest in wildlife protection and welfare. The department is run by the Fish and Game Commission, whose members must have fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses.
House Bill 1571 will change that so those who wish only to hike, photograph, bird-watch, boat and enjoy other activities overseen by the department can also have representation on the commission.
As it is currently composed, the commission often overrules the recommendations of the department’s own biologists when it involves rules relating to protecting wildlife. For example, the commission refused to shorten the hunting season for coyotes during the time coyotes raise their pups and refused to reduce bag limits for gray and red squirrels despite their declining populations. In these cases, the commission favored a very small, unscientific but vocal number of hunters and trappers who kill these animals for “sport” and trophies. While these hunters and trappers make up a single-digit percentage of New Hampshire residents, they have 100% influence on commission decisions.
Contact the House Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee at HouseFishandGameCommittee@leg.state.nh.us and tell members to vote “yes” on HB 1571 to open the Fish and Game Commission to those with expertise in conservation, sustainability and protection of our state’s wildlife.
JACK HURLEY
Claremont
I consider us fortunate to have two teachers who studied and practiced with Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh living a short distance from the Upper Valley. For the fifth consecutive winter, Fern Dorrestyn and Michael Ciborski will be offering four teaching sessions in Norwich.
Dorrestyn and Ciborski were monastics for seven years, living in Plum Village, France. Plum Village was established by Thich Nhat Hanh when he was exiled from Vietnam during the war because he would not take sides. He wanted only peace for the warring nations and their peoples, including the United States. He is a model for us all during this time of deep division within our country.
Dorrestyn and Ciborski also have the experience of practicing mindfulness and living in the world, raising a family and earning a living. They established MorningSun, a retreat and education center in Alstead, N.H., in 2009. Their varied experiences manifest in very deep and practical teachings, which over the years have enriched us all. When one of us moves in the direction of healing and generating joy, the whole community benefits.
The subject of the four sessions is “Healing the Heart and Nourishing Joy.” The third session will include a celebratory tea. Please join us at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 262 Main St., Norwich, from 6-8 p.m., on Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 12 and Feb. 19. There is no registration or fee. Donations are appreciated.
JOYCE SOLOMON
Hanover
Applications for the 2020 sessions of American Legion New Hampshire Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Granite Girls State are now available. Application forms and program information have been mailed to every New Hampshire high school and home school association, as well as local American Legion posts, and are available online at nhboysstate.org and alagranitegirlsstate.wordpress.com.
The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary encourage all who have finished their junior year of high school and who will be seniors in the fall to apply.
The nonpartisan programs are now in their eighth decade of providing classroom and practical instruction on the duties, responsibilities and privileges of American citizenship. The purpose is to awaken a sincere conviction that a well-informed and participating citizenry is necessary to protect and preserve the American tradition of democratic self-government. Representatives of all major political parties are invited and students are encouraged to share their own views on issues of public importance. Participants will interact with municipal officials, lawmakers, law enforcement personnel, veterans and their high-performing peers.
Each year, more than 150 young people from across the state assemble to learn about New Hampshire’s system of self-government. Four of the students will be among 196 national-level finalists — selected from the more than 30,000 delegates nationwide — who will travel to Boys Nation and Girls Nation in July in Washington, D.C., at the sole expense of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Program attendees are also eligible to apply for more than $10,000 in scholarship funds.
Our 2020 programs will take place at Saint Anselm College in Manchester. Boys State is scheduled for June 21-26; Girls State for June 19-24.
The only cost to a student accepted is transportation to and from Saint Anselm College, and incidentals during the week. Community sponsors and local American Legion posts pay for room, board, instruction and in-program transportation. Contact Pete St. Pierre or Larry Greenwood at American Legion Post 22 in Lebanon at 603-448-3429 for details.
PETE ST. PIERRE
Lebanon