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r 



-June 5, 1996 



Coagressmac R James Saxton 



805 OHOB 



Subcommittee on Fisheries, 'Wildlife and Oceans 



WasWngton, DC 20515 



Re: Oversight Hearings Teaming Wiih Wildlife Initiative, June 6, 1996 



Dear Congressman Saxton: 



It is my understanding thai the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans scheduled 

 an oversight iTearing on the Teaming for Wildlife Initiitive on June 6, 1996. Tne trade 

 association, which our company is a member of, the Wild Bird Feeding Instinite, was not 

 invited to appear at the hearing. Therefore, as a national mantifactnrer of -TrUd bird food, 

 with distribution throughotit the United States, I am submitting this letter for you: 

 information as well as the rest of the committee. 



Kaytee Products is a family owned business employing over 500 employees with principal 

 offices in Chilton, WX We have branch plants in Cressona, PA. Abilene KS, Rialto and 

 Ontario, CA. Our products are distrioined throughout the United States and axe available in 

 supermarKets, pet stores, mass merchandising accounts, la.w-n and gaiden centers, and 

 independent retail accounts. As a manufacturer and a leading producer of ■mid bird food, 

 we are very concerned over the proposed 5% excise tax on wild bird food. 



There is no question that v/e all must be concerned over the rapidly detericrating state of 

 our natural environment and what affect this is having on our ecosystem and our individual 

 lives. The systemadc destruction of our natural environment and the repercussions that 

 occur as a result of it is quickly becoming the number one issue of ourtims. The wildlife in 

 the \J.S., or migrating through it, are qtrickly disappe-aiing and in many cases are threatened 

 with extinction. Failure for us to ajct effecdvely and expediuously can have cataclysmic 

 ■ effects on our generation and future generations to come. The concept of Teaming With 

 Wildlife is another example of people trying to address this issue in a well meaning manner. 

 There is no doubt that the federal, state, and local governments, as well as the thousands of 

 voltmtary organizations and foundations, all have an important role to play if we are to 

 succeed. 

 Kavtce Product? Incotporared P.O. Box 230. 292 E. Grend Sl Cnilton. Wisconsin 5301'^ 



cdlil !!40-2:^21 



WATS; (800)669-9530 



F.-vX: {■^W 849-47 



