All animals are not cuddly By Don E. Rawlins American Farm Bureau Federation Natural and Environmental Resources Division I’m glad that some endangered species are extinct, when I go for a walk in the woods, I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder for a saber-toothed tiger or a Tyran nosaurus rex. I don’t relish the idea of being a food item. I don’t miss the hairy mammoth too much either. There are some species that I would like to see extinct, like the wood tick, the mosquito, poison ivy, the boll weevil, coddling moth and com ear worm. This list could be really long if I had the patience. THE ENVIRONMENT Some species are classified as endangered and some as threatened or endangered just so that the person making the ap- Farm Drainage & Soil Conservation... 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If these so-called endangered or threatened species are really all that valuable, then let the people who are so concerned about it find a controlled environment for them. Let the instigator purchase enough space and provide adequate care as part of the solution. Don’t force taxpayers to pay for what is often pure folly. Let’s get the endangered species law changed so that we humans can go about our lives, and so we won’t become threatened. Once man has modified the environment, which has occurred nearly everywhere in the U.S., he is obligated to manage the en- That's Us I Dozers, Pans And Excavators To Handle Any Excavating Jobs, Such As Terraces, Waterways, Diversions, Ponds, Etc. by Stoltzfus Builders Honey brook, PA vironment that has been modified. This is a moral obligation, as well as an economic obligation. In our modified environment, for example, man has introduced domestic animals so that he can better feed and clothe himself. However, he must protect these practically defenseless critters from predation by “wild” animals. Many “wild” animal predators have adapted to man’s en vironment and prefer to live off the more tasty domestic livestock rather than work hard at catching their “normal” prey. Coyote lovers should have to contribute 10-18 percent of their gross income to feed the coyotes, because that is what western sheep producers are forced to do. Ten to 15 percent of the lamb crop goes to coyotes. Traveling down some country roads, you may become aware that We Specialize In Soil Conservation And Land Improvement Work We’re Equipped With SAM STOLTZFUS (215) 273-3495 the automobile is the new natural predator for raccoon, skunk, deer, armadillo, opossum and rabbit. In spite of this new predator, the white-tail deer • population in the U.S. is greater now than at any time in history. The same is true for the opossum, armadillo and coyote. The great white-tail deer herds are large because of proper management. The opossum and armadillo have increased in number because they are adap table to man and his modified environment. The coyote survives because he is smart and because misguided publicity seekers want no control or management of predators. Increases or decreases in plant and animal populations are logical progressions of endurance, adaptation, modification and environment. It has been this way since the beginning Some might MONTROSE - During the twelve months compromising Fiscal Year 1985, from October 1, 1984 through September 30, 1985, the Farmers Home Administration in Montrose, PA, was able to assist both farming and non-farming families by loaning $2,154,090. in loan funds. There were 39 Farm Ownership and Operating loans given to various farmers totalling $1,143,900. and 36 loans and/or grants to non-farming families for housing purchase and/or repair loans or grants, totalling 10^ AGITATORS Qj QJ) AUGERS FEED BINS aBV automatic farm systems fllH 608 Evergreen Rd., Lebanon, PA 17042 Ml - (717)274-5333 39 Cheek Our Low Prices Before Yea Buy- mmM cmKmvtr imuwig', smarur, rannfry r, ram-tss FmHA lends aid upstate %t * * % •• \ lib !» Jv i ■ " : /^i gMMi M | 4 I 1 4 say this is because of teleological reasoning of species. I don’t know about that, the only certainty I know is that there will always be change. Some people have a great deal of difficulty dealing with change. This insecure part of our population feels a need to turn back the clock to avoid losing the “good old days.” When man attempts to reverse time and “create,” for example, wilderness areas, he is nostalgic, illogical and emotionally im mature. The wilderness advocates should all wake up and live in this century. Tha Farmin' View It a eohmm that ft compiled by tba habile ftaiathm Divitha of tba Poaotylvanla Farmart’ Association (FFh). It axprattat tha viawt of FFA't policy positions o a boy ittuot at adopted by tha organization's 23,313 family members. $1,010,190. New allocations have been received for FY 1986. If you feel that you would like to look into one of our programs, you may contact the Montrose County office Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m. (exceptholidays). FmHA is a credit agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It provides loan assistance to farm ers and other rural residents who need credit but cannot meet the lending requirements of con ventional lenders. ’** *v» 4 4 “^4 '*#* A —* A | i Min *< ■#|| *| I • Is. y &