Who really protects the wildlife?

by Rick Perry

Texas Agriculture Commissioner

Eighty percent of endangered wildlife habitat exists on private land. So

why is it when landowners make every effort to attract these species,

they're often punished with additional regulatory restrictions?

Now believe it or not, that statement comes from an environmental Defense

Fund report. The announcement goes on to say that the only way the

Endangered Species Act will ever work is by rewarding landowners for good

stewardship.

The fact is despite some 24 years that the Endangered Species Act has been

on the books, it has failed to truly protect wildlife. And according to

this EDF report, it's because the Act has declared war on landowners - the

very people who can play the biggest role in protecting wildlife.

Now I'm not about to say I told you so. If anything, Texas landowners

should welcome the Environmental Defense Fund's endorsement of our efforts

with open arms. It's a lot better than getting poked in the nose.