60 



JOHN A. KITZHABER 



Governor 



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December 18. 1995 -"-'-i/tj u^ 



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2 1 1995 



1395 



R. Max Peterson, Executive Vice President 

 International Association of Fish and 



Wildlife Agencies 

 444 N Capitol Street. NW 

 Washington. DC 20001 



Dear Mr. Peterson; 



This nation is blessed with a rich diversity of fish and wildlife resources, and it is up to each and 

 every one of us to ensure that this legacy is passed on to future generations. I am pleased to 

 endorse an initiative that I believe can help us with this challenge: "Teaming With Wildlife: A 

 Natural Investment." 



Management of fish and wildlife species that are not hunted or angled make up the single largest 

 unfunded mandate faced by state fish and wildlife agencies today ^ In Or.gon. 88 percent of our 

 native species are in this category. Funds raised through Teaming With Wildlife will help 

 Oregon implement the Oregon Wildlife Diversity Plan, keep species off state and federal 

 endangered species lists, and provide a wide array of recreational and educational opportunities 

 for citizens and visitors. I believe diversity is important to both the biological and economic 

 health of Oregon. 



Teaming With Wildlife provides a way for all citizens to contribute to wildlife conservation, 

 recreation and education. It may also be our best hope for ensuring healthy fish and wildlife and 

 their habitat for the future. 



Sincerely, 



John A. Kitzhaber, M.D. 

 JAK/sm 



