CBP Advises Hunters to Obtain USDA Import Permits for Game Fowl as Hunting Season Approaches

Laredo, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is advising hunters who may travel to Mexico for dove or quail hunting of a new requirement to obtain import permits from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Veterinary Services (USDA-VS) for their game fowl prior to their return to the U.S at a port of entry.

“As the game fowl season in Mexico rapidly approaches, we at CBP together with USDA are reaching out to U.S. hunters to advise of this new requirement so that they avoid delays and possible confiscation of their trophy birds upon their return to the U.S.,” said Jose Uribe, Acting CBP Port Director, Laredo.

Under a new requirement, hunters wishing to import trophy game fowl taken during a hunting trip in Mexico must have an approved import permit for the birds from USDA’s Office of Veterinary Services. A bulletin advising of the import permit requirement for avian trophies from Mexico can be found at the following link.

Hunters should declare all game fowl to CBP upon their arrival at a U.S. port of entry and present the USDA/Veterinary Services import permit. They also will face a verification of the import documentation from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer.

This new requirement has been instituted by USDA in response to the recent confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at commercial poultry production facilities in Mexico. The purpose of these new requirements is to prevent further spread of this virus and to protect U.S. poultry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Cleanup and Natural Resources Improvement Agreement Reached at Ashland Lakefront Superfund Site in Wisconsin

WASHINGTON – Northern States Power Co. will begin cleanup of the Ashland/Northern States Power Lakefront Superfund Site in Northwestern Wisconsin under a settlement the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today.  The 40-acre site is located on the shore of Chequamegon Bay in Lake Superior and was used for various industrial purposes for more than a century, resulting in the release of volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, and semivolatile organic compounds, such as naphthalene, at the site.

 Under the agreement, filed today with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., Northern States Power will design, construct and implement the cleanup plan for the on-land portion of the site.  The on-land cleanup is expected to cost approximately $40 million.  The United States will also require additional cleanup of sediments in Chequamegon Bay, and expects that Northern States Power and any other responsible parties will perform the rest of the cleanup. That work is not part of the agreement filed with the Court today.

 Today’s agreement also requires Northern States Power to transfer approximately 990 acres of land along the Iron River to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and 400 acres within the reservation of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians to the Bad River tribe.  These parcels, worth about $1.9 million, will be preserved by the state and the Bad River tribe to enhance natural resources in the area that have been harmed by pollution from the site, such as fisheries in Chequamegon Bay and its rivers.  In addition, the state of Wisconsin will transfer 114 acres of land to the Red Cliff Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.  That land will also be managed to preserve natural resources.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also serve as trustees for natural resources in the area and joined the settlement on behalf of the United States.

“This agreement will begin the long-awaited cleanup of contamination at the Ashland Lakefront site,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The agreement will result in the preservation of land in the Chequamegon Bay watershed, including tribal lands, to conserve and enhance natural resources and aquatic habitat that have been harmed by more than a century of pollution at the site.”

 “Chequamegon Bay and Lake Superior will be better protected as a result of this agreement,” said EPA Region 5 Regional Administrator Susan Hedman.  “Removing the most highly contaminated soil from the site and controlling the flow of contaminated groundwater will prevent polluted water from entering the bay and harming fisheries.”

 For more than a century, the Ashland site has been home to various industrial uses, including sawmills, railroads, and a city wastewater treatment plant.  The primary source of pollution at the site was the manufactured gas plant operated by Northern States Power’s predecessor company between 1885 and 1947.  Pollution from the manufactured gas plant contaminated both the on-land portion of the site and the sediment in the bay.

 The on-land cleanup will include removal of source material and impacted soil in Kreher Park and the adjacent bluff area and recovery wells designed to remove pollution from the Copper Falls aquifer.  The work Northern States Power will perform under this agreement is expected to take approximately two to three years.

 EPA will oversee the work to ensure that it follows the cleanup plan and complies with the agreement signed by the parties.  The state of Wisconsin will support EPA in overseeing the work.

 The proposed consent decree will be subject to public comment for 30 days prior to entry in federal court.   The consent decree will be available at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.

CBP Officers at LAX Seize Exotic Endangered Animal Products Found in Passenger’s Luggage

Los Angeles—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Los Angeles International Airport, recently seized seven ivory tusks, one hippopotamus tusk and seven purses made of ostrich, stingray, crocodile and elephant skins inside several suitcases belonging to a U.S. citizen arriving from Europe.

On June 27, CBP officers referred a passenger for a baggage examination. The passenger, a 63-year-old woman, who traveled from Greece via Germany, provided a negative declaration to CBP officers about the items she was bringing into the country. An x-ray examination of the passenger's three suitcases and a large rectangular metal box revealed a tusk-like object in the box that the passenger said was an “elephant tooth” from her deceased uncle’s estate.

CBP officers consulted with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents which confirmed that all 15 items were prohibited from importation under the Endangered Species Act.

CBP officers seized seven ivory tusks, several of which were carved into statues, one hippopotamus tusk, two ostrich-skin purses, one stingray leather purse, a purse made of elephant hide, and three crocodile purses.

“Enforcing laws that protect endangered animal life by aggressively preventing the illegal introduction of these products into the U.S. is one of the many aspects of the CBP border security mission,” said Todd C. Owen, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “CBP enforces hundreds of U.S. regulations for other agencies in addition to immigration and trade laws.”

The CBP primary mission is anti-terrorism. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Louisiana Hunting Outfitter Sentenced to Prison for First Felony Conviction for Illegally Hunting Protected Alligators

WASHINGTON – Gregory K. Dupont, 38, of Plaquemine, La., was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge, La., to serve six months in prison, to be followed by four months in a half-way house and two years of supervised release.  Dupont was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.  Dupont’s sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson late Thursday, was the first ever felony conviction and prison sentence resulting from the illegal hunting of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), in violation of the Lacey Act, the Endangered Species Act, and Louisiana law.

Dupont has owned and operated Louisiana Hunters Inc., a hunting outfitting company, since 2001.  His clients hired him to take them on alligator hunts in Louisiana, and they included out-of-state residents who were required to hunt with a licensed resident alligator hunter.  Dupont took some of the out-of-state clients to hunt alligators on property where he was not authorized to hunt.  On Feb.10, 2012, Dupont pleaded guilty to selling American alligators by providing outfitting and guiding services, knowing the alligators to have been taken illegally, on a hunt in September 2006. 

In 1967, American alligators were listed as an endangered species because the total population size in the United States reached drastically low numbers due to severe poaching and overharvesting.  The conservation effect of this protected status and of the Lacey Act, the Endangered Species Act, and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state of Louisiana led to the recovery of the size of the American alligator population in the United States, and American alligators were down-listed to threatened status in 1987.  The success of the American alligator conservation program is second only to that of the Bald Eagle.

Because American alligators remain federally protected, alligator hunting is regulated by federal and state rules and regulations, which require, among other things, the tagging of all harvested alligators.  The integrity of the tagging system is crucial to Louisiana’s alligator management program because it enables the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to monitor harvest areas, alligator size and the number of alligators taken.  This system depends in significant part upon the honesty and self-regulation of Louisiana’s licensed hunters for its continued success.

In Louisiana, an allotted number of alligator hide tags are issued to licensed hunters.  Each tag may be used for one alligator only, and Louisiana law requires alligator hunters to hunt only on property for which hide tags are issued.  The areas where alligator hunting is permitted are determined on a yearly basis by wildlife biologists, whose decisions are based on the need to maintain a healthy alligator population.  If hunters poach alligators from areas for which they do not have tags, then the integrity of the entire alligator management system is undermined, thereby threatening Louisiana’s alligator population and alligator industry, which is a significant component of Louisiana’s economy.

According to court documents, Dupont, in violation of law, guided his clients to places in Louisiana, regardless of whether he had tags for the areas, where he hoped his clients would kill trophy-sized alligators so that they would pay him a trophy fee in addition to the guiding fees. 

The case was prosecuted by Shennie Patel and Susan L. Park of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.  The case was investigated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Division and by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement.

NRA Life of Duty Features Lt. John Nores

NRA Life of Duty Features Lt. John Nores in
Documentary Reclamation: The Battle for Terra Firma

FAIRFAX, VA – The National Rifle Association (NRA) is pleased to release the latest documentary for the NRA Life of Duty online network, presented by Brownells.

This Patriot Profiles video, brought to you by Smith & Wesson, shares the compelling story of Lt. John Nores, a warden with the California Department of Fish and Game, and others within the multi-agency team at war with drug cartels over illegal cultivation sites.

RECLAMATION is a documentary about those engaged in a constant fight to thwart the reckless abandon of violent and evil criminals: those engaged in the drug trade who’ll stop at nothing to establish and protect their illegal growing operations. Hidden almost in plain sight some 450 miles inside America’s southern border, these growers poison people, wildlife, the land, and pristine waterways in the pursuit of their cartel cultivations. In so doing, they risk the lives of the fragile ecosystems of communities they infiltrate. This is not a battle against marijuana but a war against those at war with Mother Nature and mankind.

RECLAMATION follows the California Department of Fish and Game, the sworn deputies of the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement entities assigned to a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional team established to fight this growing problem. Lt. Nores says, “Nothing in 20 years of service to Fish and Game has been more fulfilling than these last 10 years on the Marijuana Eradication Team or MET.”

From observation to interdiction, eradication to restoration, these professionals take the fight directly to those engaged in illegal “grow operations.” Their story of service and sacrifice will inspire you as you learn the truth behind their fight for terra firma. Eye-opening and utterly compelling, this Patriot Profiles documentary will shock you with the stark realities of this escalating problem and provide a front-row seat to the violence that surrounds these sites which operate mere feet from schools, gated communities, and citizens going about their daily lives. “Stories like this define the heart of America itself – our national strength, valor and sacrifice for freedom and justice and Smith & Wesson is proud to help tell these stories,” says Paul Pluff, Director of Marketing Services for Smith & Wesson.

Learn more about those at war with the Mexican drug cartels deep inside America’s border at: www.nralifeofduty.tv/reclamation

About NRA Life of Duty

The NRA Life of Duty initiative encompasses a new class of sponsored NRA membership, a state-of-the-art online network and a brand new digital magazine—all designed for those who make their living defending the American way of life. In addition to all regular NRA benefits, NRA Life of Duty members receive special discounts on gear through brand partnerships, a subscription to NRA American Warrior digital magazine and access to all three NRA official journals.

Those who wish to step forward and sponsor NRA Life of Duty memberships for the brave men and women who fight for our freedoms and our American way of life can do so by visiting www.NRALifeofDuty.tv/sponsor.

NRALifeofDuty.tv is presented by Brownells and features Patriot Profiles sponsored by Smith &Wesson. Frontlines with LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.) is sponsored by FNH USA and offers never-before-seen footage and reports with American heroes abroad. NRA American Warrior is an exclusive digital magazine with interactive media, videos and articles detailing the latest tactics and technology. Colt has provided its support to the “Warrior Features” of the magazine. The LOD Gear Channel, sponsored by Brownells LE Division: PoliceStore.com, showcases the latest and greatest gear and tools of the trade.

About NRA

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, the NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. For more information, visit nra.org.

25, 35, 45 - Mental Performance – It’s Affect on Fitness & Training

Research has proven that stress, anger and anxiety, when triggered in an athlete, can tighten muscles, tense up the body, hamper and negatively affect breathing, and generally act as a hindrance to performance. This result is no different if you are 25, 35 or 45!

In short, many athletes don’t reach their performance potential because of thinking too much and improper breathing.

For 10 months I have been lucky enough to be working with one of the most respected sports psychologist and mental performance experts in the world.   On Saturday morning May 26^th, 2012 I acted as kind of bio-neuro feedback test subject to show how our thoughts translate instantly into emotions, and emotions into physiological responses.

That day the team from the mental performance training center gave a demonstration of the biofeedback/neurofeedback techniques used to train athletes in things like mental toughness and proper breathing and I was the test subject.

Hooked up to sophisticated transmitters that registered a number of indicators on a screen, I  was questioned by a relaxation and stress management consultant. The questions evoked reactions in my mind and body. Graphs on a screen would rise and fall as I got my thoughts under control by moderating my breathing and relaxing my mind.

One basic concept is that when tension builds up in the upper body and shoulders it makes it very difficult to breathe properly from the diaphragm. Tension in the shoulders slows an athlete down.

The question is; why does tension build up in the shoulders?

There are a number of reasons this can happen:

1.      Previous injuries
2.      Worrying about the expectations of a coach
3.      Worrying about the expectation of a parent
4.      Fear of failing

 This can all lead to a “busy brain”, or thinking too much.

While a busy mind might be good for multi-tasking activities, it’s not good for sports or activities that require focus. In high focus sports a busy mind is the last thing you want.

I can honestly say that the techniques I learned from my mental performance coach, have helped me calm down, breath better, and conserve more energy. In an endurance sport like weightlifting, such skills are indispensable. I also sleep much better now that I have more control over my thoughts.

The mental and breathing aspects of sports and non-sports activities are key in elite performance. Learn to respect and use them to setup your game.

I should mention that I used this training and testing as part of my training for my Guinness World Record for the most squat-lifted weight in one hour, hoisting 127,000 pounds.

To find more information on Walter Urban and his World and National records please visit www.walterurban.com

CBP Seizes Live Bird Hopping Onboard Plane from Asia

Los Angeles—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) seized a live song bird that started hopping inside the plane cabin two hours before landing on a 10-hour flight from Taiwan. CBP officials suspect a failed animal smuggling attempt. 

On May 26, CBP agriculture specialists were notified that a passenger reported to airline personnel that an animal was hopping around his area. A member of the flight crew captured the bird and put it in a plastic bag inside a white Styrofoam box.

CBP agriculture specialists met the plane upon arrival. Passengers were instructed to remain in their seats while the bird was removed. The animal was transferred immediately to a cage approved to handle birds and was provided with water and bird food/seeds.

All the passengers, crew members and their carry-on bags were screened and sent to agriculture secondary for x-ray inspections of their belongings. No other birds or any signs (bird droppings, feathers, etc.) were discovered.

“By preventing the introduction of foreign animal diseases, CBP agriculture specialists protect America’s agriculture resources. Animal diseases such as avian influenza (AI) can affect other avian species and be potentially fatal,” said Todd C. Owen, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles.

The bird was identified as the same species as one of the song birds seized by CBP at LAX in the past. On June 8, 2010, a Garden Grove man was sentenced to four months in prison and ordered to pay $4,000.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to illegally importing 14 song birds strapped to his legs as he arrived at LAX from Vietnam.

The seized bird was turned over to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinary services.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.