Latest news with #Ault
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Men hit with severe penalties after being caught bringing bizarre illegal cargo into the US: 'Underscores the critical importance'
Two men have been sentenced for their involvement in one of the "largest bird trafficking cases in history," the Justice Department announced. Officials found that the men had illegally brought thousands of taxidermy bird mounts and eggs into the U.S., including some endangered species. Georgia resident John Waldrop was ordered to pay $900,000 and sentenced to three years of probation for violating the Endangered Species Act. In August, Waldrop pleaded guilty to the violations and to conspiring to smuggle wildlife. Waldrop had enlisted Toney Jones, an employee on his farm, to help in his operation. Jones was sentenced to six months of probation. Waldrop had an extensive collection of taxidermied birds and eggs, many of which were endangered species. Authorities said the collection had a total of 1,401 taxidermy bird mounts and 2,594 eggs, including several eggs from the Nordmann's Greenshank, an Asian shorebird with only 900 to 1,600 birds remaining in the wild. Waldrop sourced the birds from eBay and Etsy sellers worldwide. He imported them without proper permits or declarations. Wildlife trafficking threatens local ecosystems because it removes animals from their native environments and relocates them to new ones, disrupting the balance of both habitats. This imbalance is not only a threat to the animals. It also impacts local economies, as many regional industries are often reliant on nearby wildlife and resources, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Traffickers often trade endangered animals, which further threatens their survival. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "The scale of this investigation underscores the critical importance of protecting our natural resources," said Douglas Ault, assistant director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Office of Law Enforcement. "Waldrop's collection included thousands of bird specimens and eggs, many of which are among the rarest in the world." Wildlife trafficking is illegal, and it is also often wrapped up in other criminal enterprises such as drug and human trafficking. Ault said his department will "remain vigilant and will continue to hold accountable those who exploit our shared natural resources for personal gain." There are many laws and regulatory bodies prohibiting wildlife trafficking, including the Endangered Species Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (also known as "CITES") — all of which were used in Waldrop's case. The USFWS is "unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding wildlife for future generations," Ault said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leaders weigh the future of outdoor recreation in Vermont
COLCHESTER, Vt (ABC22/FOX44) – Outdoor recreation contributes 4.8% to Vermont's gross domestic product – that's $2.1 billion. But as uncertainty continues to swirl around tariffs and other proposed federal changes, industry leaders are looking towards an unclear future. Kelly Ault, executive director of the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance, say their concerns are two-fold. 'We're concerned about the impact of tariffs on a number outdoor businesses. The other element we're concerned about is reduced visitation to our state during the really important tourism season,' Ault explains. She says their metrics are already showing an anticipated reduction in visitors from the north and abroad, and the back and fourth in Washington is only hindering decision making for businesses and tourists alike. 'They've been trying to navigate export options with their suppliers,' Ault says, 'trying to see if they can cut costs so they can have fund when and if they need it.' A number of hospitality businesses are echoing the value of relationships they've built with international visitors while simultaneously trying to reach new demographics to fill the anticipated gap. 'Can we encourage Vermonters to do some stay-cations this spring and summer, can we reach out to other markets across the U.S. to come visit our state.' Ault highlights efforts by local policy makers aimed at supporting these businesses. 'The legislature is looking at a bill that would support some technical assistance with service providers that can really support small businesses in making those decisions, protecting themselves, and just becoming more nimble for the uncertainty ahead,' Ault explains. One of the best ways you can help in the interim? Shopping local and supporting those brick-and-mortar stores. Ault hopes that the shared love of the outdoors can be used to heal tensions and strengthen ties with our neighbors to the north and beyond. 'We're still the same Vermont that people know and love,' Ault emphasizes. 'Our values have not changed. We hope people can come visit when they can.' The VOBA recently released a report detailing the federal impacts on Vermont's outdoor recreation sector – you can find that report here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
