RMAD’S PRAIRIE DOG CAMPAIGN
RMAD Announces Action Against Celestial Seasonings
Rocky Mountain Animal Defense has fought for prairie dogs for several years, and is committed to long-term protection of prairie dogs and restoration of prairie dog habitat. The protection of prairie dogs is a top program for RMAD due to the relentless and violent persecution of this animal, and on account of the prairie dog’s tremendous ecological importance. The prairie dog has enjoyed some victories through our efforts, but in many ways the fight has just begun. Developers, ranchers, and recreational shooters show no sign of letting up in the destruction of the prairie dog and the prairie, and prairie dog numbers are continuing to plummet.
Prairie dogs are at under 1% of their historic population. This radical depopulation is extremely alarming given the number of vertebrate, invertebrate and plant species dependent on prairie dogs and their colonies. Estimates of dependent vertebrate species alone have been placed as high as 170. In general, the diversity of species on prairie dog towns is significantly greater than in short- or mixed-grass prairie without prairie dogs.
On a shoestring budget, RMAD has been one of the most active and vocal supporters of the prairie dog on the local level in Colorado. Our members rescue prairie dogs, educate the public about prairie dogs, protest prairie dog killing, and are also committed to non-violent direct action on behalf of prairie dogs and the prairie.
RMAD ACTIONS
Spring 1999
In May, popular tea-maker Celestial Seasonings poisoned prairie dogs on its property in Boulder, Colorado. RMAD
announced a boycott of Celestial Seasonings products upon learning of this incident. We subsequently met with representatives
of Celestial Seasonings to discuss the situation. We reached a satisfactory agreement with Celestial Seasonings
and lifted the boycott. The only issue of contention regarded development. RMAD agreed to the relocation of prairie
dogs from one portion of the land to another to make room for impending development on the property. Celestial
Seasonings committed
to providing permanent protection for the remaining 15-20 acres-land that represents fully one-third of the remaining
privately held prairie dog colonies in Boulder.
Fall 1998
RMAD and local citizens in Lakewood, Colorado, successfully challenged that city's plan to exterminate prairie dogs on open space. RMAD’s lawsuit resulted in the first ever injunction of prairie dog poisoning in Colorado. The city of Lakewood will now manage prairie dogs on its open space non-lethally. RMAD continues to work with prairie dog advocates in Lakewood to push for prairie dog protection in Denver metro.
Summer 1998
RMAD was actively involved in starting the Southern Plains Land Trust, an effort to acquire land in southeastern Colorado to restore the prairie dog ecosystem. There will be no hunting or lethal control of animals in any way on this reserve. Other groups involved in this project include the Great Plains Restoration Council.
March 1998
Working with local animal rights and environmental activists, RMAD organized several protests and civil disobedience in response to the extermination of a 30+ acre colony in Lafayette. Out of this tragedy came tremendous awareness of the importance of protecting prairie dogs, as television, print, and radio media covered the story extensively. In addition, several citizens groups advocating wildlife protection were formed.
Winter 1997/98
RMAD activists fought charges lodged against them after disrupting a prairie dog shooting contest (see next entry). One activist was acquitted on the most serious charge, criminal trespass. Another activist's case ended in mistrial. The last trial ended in acquittal on trespass charges. By going to trial for their arrests, RMAD activists have gained extensive media coverage and are now challenging Colorado’s hunter harassment law.
July 1997
RMAD activists, along with the director of the Great Plains Restoration Council, took to the fields in a non-violent action to end Colorado’s largest annual prairie dog shoot, conducted in Kit Carson County, Colorado. The activists succeeded in interrupting the shoot for several hours. The action attracted both local and national media coverage. Seven activists were arrested, five of whom remained in jail for four days until they were released on personal recognizance. The activists saw their cases through the court system so as to maximize awareness on the need to protect prairie dogs now.
Spring and Summer 1997
RMAD spoke on several occasions to the Colorado Wildlife Commission on behalf of prairie dogs and other animals who suffer from the senseless slaughter involved in killing contests. RMAD is not satisfied with the restriction on contest killings that was passed on July 10, as it continues to allow contest killings of animals for whom there are no bag limits, and contest killing of up to five animals per participant. RMAD will continue to work for a categorical ban on contest killings.
May and June 1997
RMAD led protests in Fort Collins, Colorado, over that city’s plan to poison 1100 prairie dog burrows on Fort Collins open space. RMAD activists canvassed neighborhoods near the areas slated for gassing, spreading awareness and gathering hundreds of signatures to oppose the city’s plan. RMAD also spoke in front of the city council, and discussed the need to protect prairie dogs with city management and city council members. Extensive coverage in the local paper helped spread awareness on the issue. As a result, Fort Collins has adopted a largely non-lethal prairie dog management plan.
Winter 1996-97
RMAD activists began working on a plan to establish a prairie dog reserve. RMAD also formed the Prairie Dog Coalition, which has attracted local and national groups, and hundreds of individuals.
August 1996
An RMAD activist traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to instruct a local group of prairie dog supporters on how to rescue prairie dogs. We have maintained our correspondence with Santa Fe activists, one of whom has established a wildlife sanctuary on which prairie dogs and other animals reside.
June 1996
RMAD traveled to Wray, Colorado, to protest the state’s largest prairie dog shoot. In an effort to hide their gruesome sport, prairie dog shooters tried to avoid leading the protesters to shooting sites. RMAD therefore delayed the shoot several hours and received local coverage.
Summer 1996
RMAD established a partnership with prairie dog relocators in the Denver metro area to rescue prairie dogs on sites slated for development. This partnership now includes a Boulder-area group, The Wild Places.
April 1995
RMAD led a protest of the largest prairie dog shoot in the state in Brighton, Colorado. Activists took to the fields and managed to shut several shooting sites down for the day. Extensive newspaper and television coverage was gained from the action.
More Information:
"Balancing People and Wildlife: Advocacy for Prairie Dog Ecosystem Conservation." - Nicole Rosmarino