Letter: Sanctuaries, refuges shouldn’t be open to hunting

Posted 3/31/20

To the editor:

In these turbulent times, we are all seeking refuge in a variety of ways. A favorite for myself and my family, is wherever nature is untouched. I was recently shocked to learn that …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Register to post events


If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.


Letter: Sanctuaries, refuges shouldn’t be open to hunting

Posted

To the editor:

In these turbulent times, we are all seeking refuge in a variety of ways. A favorite for myself and my family, is wherever nature is untouched. I was recently shocked to learn that in the midst of a pandemic caused by the human exploitation of animals, many of our most treasured sites of refuge, including Sachuest Point, are being targeted by what appears to be a financially driven effort to commodify the wilderness closest to our home.

The Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex has released a draft Hunting and Fishing Plan for Public Review which proposes to open the following sanctuaries and refuges to hunting:

• Block Island NWR 

• John H. Chafee NWR 

• Ninigret NWR 

• Sachuest Point NWR 

• Trustom Pond NWR 

Wildlife included in the proposal include: ducks, mergansers, coot, saltwater fish, geese, whitetail deer, coyote, fox, turkey, and mourning dove.

According to the NWR, “Hunting and fishing provides opportunities for communities, families and individuals to enjoy the outdoors, support conservation efforts, and participate in these popular American traditions.”

The above are designated a national wildlife refuge. A refuge is defined as a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. It would follow then that a wildlife refuge should mean an area designated to keep wildlife safe, the complete opposite of the intent of this proposal. 

To many of us, enjoyment of the outdoors, especially within such a refuge, relates to the immense respect we have of living things within their natural environment. It is a gift to be able to share it. Killing wildlife, in the name of conservation and management of wildlife, is in most circumstances cruel and unnecessary. Lastly, the majority of us would agree that hunting should more accurately be referred to as a past American tradition, one that most of us are not proud of.

The real question is, why does such a small minority get to steal life, to cause unnecessary suffering, as well as steal from the majority the natural gifts of this earth? The majority of Rhode Islanders know and agree that this is incomprehensible. Could perhaps money and special interest be involved? 

If you agree that these proposals are not in the best interest of Rhode Island and not in the best interest of wildlife, then please submit your comments to the following email or mailing address before June 1.

E-mail rhodeislandcomplex@fws.gov, or send mail to:

Rhode Island NWR Complex

50 Bend Road

Charlestown, RI 02813

Will we allow special interests along with government agencies to hide their destruction of life with deceiving words such as conservation, American tradition, and enjoyment of the outdoors? At a time when the global loss of land, forests, wildlife and plant species is immense one must remember that these losses start in our communities. We are presented with an opportunity to take action. Your voice could literally save lives.

Stay safe and healthy. 

Cindy Tavares

54 Oliver Hazard Perry Road

Portsmouth

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
Mike Rego

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.