<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {pageThe citizens of New Jersey have spoken but those in office are not listening.
The citizens of New Jersey have spoken, but those in office choose not to listen.

A report showing the public’s opinion on the scheduled December black bear hunt in NJ has just been released.  Despite the overwhelming number of comments against a statewide black bear hunt, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Robert Martin is in favor of allowing the hunt to go on as scheduled.

In a January 2010 letter to his staff, the newly appointed DEP Commissioner said “Our regulations and decisions need to be based on sound science, facts and a robust cost/benefit analysis. We will also continue to vigorously enforce our environmental laws to protect the health and safety of all our residents.”

But the fact remains that neither Martin, nor Governor Christie, have met with any members of the BEAR Coalition to hear the reasons for opposing the hunt.  They have, however, met with representatives of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (NJOA), a pro-hunting lobby.

NJOA, who claim their scientific evidence supports a hunt, also like to brag about their work in helping Christie win the gubernatorial election last November.

So yes, this is another example of politics as usual.  Out of the 9,287 public comments received, 6,484 were against the proposed black bear hunt, leaving 2,803 in favor.  Not only was this the largest number of responses ever received on an issue, it clearly shows New Jersey residents do not want the hunt to take place.

So why is the hunt still scheduled?  The powers in charge want it.

The public voice needs to be heard even louder.  Contact DEP Commissioner Martin and Governor Christie and demand they meet with representatives of the Coalition to Protect New Jersey Bears. 

Here are some points to mention:

• The vast majority of writers in the public comment period are against this bear hunt. 
• Out of 9,287, a whopping 6,484 were against the hunt. 
• The estimated cost for the proposed black bear hunt is $600,000 for NJ taxpayers.  Each bear killed will cost about $2000.
• The DEP Commissioner and the Governor have listened to only one side of this issue.  They have NOT met with Coalition representatives, but they have met with representatives of the NJOA, a pro-hunting lobby. 
• Ask Commissioner Martin to listen to the “sound science, facts and a robust cost/benefit analysis” he stated his administration would.
• Ask Governor Christie to listen to all sides in the matter, not just the groups that supported his election.
• NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife has not enforced NJ law NJSA 23:2A-14 — which disallows the feeding of black bears and enforces garbage control.  By not enforcing the law, logically it increases complaints from residents about the bears, which DFW uses to justify a hunt.
• Taxpayer monies being spent on lawsuits against the hunt is adversely affecting the state’s budget.  More lawsuits being considered will only increase the deficit.

    
Martin can be contacted at 609-292-2885 or through fax at 609-292-7695.  Governor Christie’s number is 609-292-6000 and his fax is 609-292-3454.  Christie can be contacted through email at the State of New Jersey website.

For more info:  

• Activist Spotlight: New Jersey Bear Hunt
• NJ Governor Favors Black Bear Hunt