Andrea Seastrand: “today I bring to light another example of the overreaching arm of the Federal Government. Santa Rosa Island off Santa…”

“today I bring to light another example of the overreaching arm of the Federal Government. Santa Rosa Island off Santa Barbara, CA, happens to be one of the homes for the snowy plover bird. The National Park Service has decided that the snowy plover is so endangered by cattle ranching on the island that a 3-mile-long fence and road must be built to protect the bird. The local ranching company must build the fence within 7 days or the Government will do it for them and give them the bill. Scientific data proves that cattle ranching on Santa Rosa Island does not endanger the bird. In fact a strong case can be made that 93 years of cattle ranching has actually led to a greater proliferation of the bird. Unfortunately, the Department of Fish and Wildlife refused to review this data. Mr. Speaker, the Endangered Species Act was supposed to protect species in danger of becoming extinct. It was not meant to be a vehicle to destroy the well cared for environment of Santa Rosa Island.”