I hope this will be in the news this weekend, but in the meantime, here's the full text of a letter from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to every member of the NC Congressional Delegation. It was also sent out as a press release from Governor Easley's office:

The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has grave concerns about the wildlife control technique the U. S. Navy is considering as part of its plan to establish an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in this state.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Bird-wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) plan provided in support of the Navy’s OLF effort, briefly summarizes “standard techniques” for hazing and harassing wildlife to minimize contacts at airport sites. Included in these “standard techniques” is a recommendation to employ the chemical Avitrol.

No Avitrol product registered in North Carolina is labeled for controlling any waterfowl species. Its use for such a purpose in North Carolina is illegal. We are unable to determine whether any wildlife experts were consulted in the development of this plan, but North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission brings considerable expertise to bear in its view that under no circumstances should this chemical be used in proximity to tundra swans, snow geese, or any other migratory waterfowl. We are also concerned about the unknown secondary effects of Avitrol on non-target animals that may take this bait or consume birds that are killed. The suggestion of its use as a tool for controlling such wildlife is appalling to those of us familiar with its effects.

In fact, the proposed OLF site is itself adverse to the needs and interests of thousands of sportsmen, conservationists, and ordinary citizens in North Carolina. The significance of this area to the waterfowl that use the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is immense. Hundreds of thousands of migratory waterfowl use the site for essential wintering habitat at least six months of the year. Approximately twenty percent of the entire eastern population of tundra swans over winter in this area.

We urgently request your intercession on behalf of this important state resource. Please advise the U.S. Navy to consider alternative OLF sites that have less drastic wildlife impacts.

Truly unbelievable. The Navy's playing with poison that will have god-knows what effects on our environment and our health. Meanwhile, Liddy Dole and Richard Burr have decided to let the process run its course because "it's not the job of Congress to tell the Navy what to do."

What in heaven's name did North Carolina do to deserve two such pathetic Senators in Congress at the same time?