Chief
Justice William H. Rhenquist3
May 2001
Supreme
Court of the United States
1
First Street, NE
Washington,
DC20543
Dear
Justice Rhenquist:
The
Society for Marine Mammalogy joins numerous conservation groups and wildlife
organizations in expressing its concern for the proposed closing of the
Smithsonian’s Conservation and Research Center near Front Royal, Virginia.This
center is internationally known for its work training conservation scientists
and restoring endangered species, such as the black-footed ferret, the
golden lion tamarin, and others.
While
the Society for Marine Mammalogy recognizes the need for your organization
to maintain its emphasis on public education and exhibitions, we feel that
it is essential that the Smithsonian continue to lead conservation and
restoration efforts for threatened species.Although
these activities may be less visible to the public, the programs carried
out by the Conservation and Research Center have made a considerable difference
for many threatened species.We are
hopeful that the Smithsonian will identify a means to maintain this world-class
center for the benefit of all wildlife species and the quality of life
for future generations of humans.
Thank
you and best regards.
Sincerely,
Daniel
K. Odell, Ph.D.
President
Cc:
Mr. Lawrence Small, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Note:
A similar letter was also sent to:
Ms.
Anne d’Harnoncourt
Senator
Patrick Leahy
Senator
Bill First
Senator
Thad Cochran
Congressman
Sam Johnson
Congressman
Ralph Regula
Congressman
Robert T. Matsui
Vice
President Richard Cheney
Mr.
Wesley S. Williams, Jr.
Mr.
Barber B. Conable, Jr.
Professor
Hanna H. Gray
Mr.
Alan G. Spoon
Mr.
Howard H. Baker, Jr.
Dr.
Homer A. Neal
Dr.
Walter Massey
Dr.
Manuel L. Ibanez