Ryan J. Ridgley’s Post

Hopefully you will all be hearing a lot about the Farm Bill renewal over the coming months. If you are a landowner, farmer, forester, hunter, angler, or a fan of clean air, clean water, and healthy soils, this bill should be on your radar. Take a look at this great video series to learn more. If you want to know more about the Farm Bill impacts here in Maine, reach out and I can fill you in! Most importantly, make sure your voice is heard and reach out to your elected officials to tell them to support a robust Farm Bill!

Hot Topic

The BLM Public Lands Rule moves closer to implementation with the formation of a Federal Advisory Committee that will help guide the efforts to conserve public lands. Read more here: https://hubs.li/Q02P8qkt0

Important Notice Eight Mexican wolf mortalities were documented in the third quarter (4 in AZ and 4 in NM). The total number of documented mortalities from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, 2024 is 21 (11 in AZ and 10 in NM). Cause of death for each mortality is under investigation by USFWS Law Enforcement. -Arizona Game and Fish Department Killing a Mexican wolf is a serious violation of state law and the Federal Endangered Species Act. Offenders can face severe criminal penalties, including fines of up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to one year, and/or civil penalties of up to $25,000. Let's work together to protect this endangered species and preserve our natural heritage. #Conservation #EndangeredSpecies #ProtectWildlife #MexicanWolf

Please sign and share!! Wow 😡😨💔 Congress is mounting an all-out assault on the environmental laws that protect our wildlife and communities, including the Endangered Species Act, our most effective tool for stopping extinction. Now anti-wildlife extremists are pushing forward their latest set of bills targeting our environment and the animals we love: H.R. 764 (Sponsored by Rep. Lauren Boebert R-CO): The ironically named “Trust the Science Act” would permanently strip ESA protections from most gray wolves across the nation without a chance for judicial review. H.R. 3397 (Sponsored by Rep. John Curtis R-UT) : The “WEST Act” would strike down a recently finalized Bureau of Land Management rule that would improve wildlife conservation across all 245 million acres of public lands. H.R. 615(Sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman R-VA): This bill would stop agencies from prohibiting or regulating the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on public lands, putting wildlife and people at risk from this highly toxic metal. H.R. 6285 (Sponsored by Rep. Pete Stauber R-MN and Rep. Mary Peltola D-AK): “Alaska’s Right to Produce Act” would undo administration protections in the Arctic Refuge and Coastal Plain, exposing vulnerable polar bears to massive fossil fuel developments. https://lnkd.in/d7epQX_G

This is a link to a report on Wildlife Crossings in Pennsylvania, that was performed by a bipartisan group from the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee. Those of you who personally know me, know that I am very passionate about this subject. After reading this report I have great hopes for our state! https://lnkd.in/e2-5QJb2 A copy of the report is here: https://lnkd.in/euJdzaKP

🌟 Exciting News from Justice Jackline Mogeni on the Case of Slain Lion Olobor! Justice Jackline Mogeni issued a one-of-a-kind directive regarding the Slain Lion Olobor case filed by American Luis Franco. The ELC judge reiterated the responsibility of every person to conserve and protect wildlife resources. Justice Mogeni opined that since this is a sensitive matter and of global importance, it should be held outside the corners of a courtroom to allow any interested person to participate. Thus, favoring mediation in the form of a community hearing as opposed to courtroom litigation. In her wisdom, the judge directed that the mediation take place at a site where Olobor was allegedly killed. This decision ensures that the proceedings are deeply connected to the heart of the matter. The lion enthusiast community will finally get closure. Most importantly, Olobor will get justice. We encourage lion enthusiasts to attend the forthcoming hearing in large numbers. We undertake to share as much information as possible.#JusticeForOlobor #WildlifeProtection #CommunityHearing

Have you had your property damaged or been cut off from essential resources due to flooding caused by poor infrastructure like culverts in Virginia? Have you experienced serious wildlife-vehicle conflicts on Virginia roads, such major incidents caused by hitting or avoiding wild animals? SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US 📣 Your testimonial could be used in advocacy and education efforts, including opportunities to speak directly with lawmakers. Help us push for stronger wildlife passage and connectivity legislation. State agencies aren’t building infrastructure that benefits both wildlife movement, from bears crossing roads to endangered fish trying to spawn upstream, and flood resilience, leading to waste of your tax dollars. Why not build infrastructure that benefits ecosystems and communities?! The answer is: state agencies do not have the resources nor are they required by law to consider wildlife passage. Learn more and fill out our form: https://lnkd.in/eYwi_biM

Tune into this Ag Law in the Field podcast episode featuring Shane Kiefer, where he discusses important tips for small acreage landowners and buyers

Being an advocate for universal justice is really problematic. One of the main reasons is that almost everyone has a different idea of what universal justice looks like. It takes real courage to seriously consider who are the most vulnerable people on Earth and be supportive of them. There are so many of these people, in the current era. Sometimes I even count myself as a victim, even though I have been the beneficiary of first-world privilege. The following are some sites that I strongly recommend: watchdominion.com wildanimalsuffering.org endgame2050.com As an ecologist, I understand the character of climate breakdown and I understand that all forms of life are, and will be, victims of its effects. Some victims are classed as "immoral victims" because they have in some way assisted in their own demise. But no one deserves to suffer. If we are strongly committed to justice, to me it is absolutely clear that we should in no way contribute to it by adding new life into our dystopian paradigm. Some people, the moment they are able to access power, will use that power to create dominion over others. Reckless spending, breeding, and consumerism are some examples of this. We are so often cogs in a ponzi machine, and it needs to stop. If you are a decent and thoughtful person, and have truly contemplated the issues I raise, then congratulations and I look forward to continuing to work with you. Any questions or debate, let me know. I am fully accountable.