Please take a few moments and send a postcard to the address below to help the Quakers in NJ. This would be the first legislation of its kind and as such could have an impact on the wild Quakers in other states as well. Thank you in advance for helping out our friends in New Jersey. Also, once you have mailed your postcard, I'd love it if you'd post a comment below to let everyone know.

URGENT! Bill S1768 must be heard before May! If not, we lose everything we have worked for thus far and will have to start all over again beginning in the Assembly!

Please send a postcard to Senator Bob Smith, Chairman of the Senate Environmental Committee, and ask that he posts Bill S1768 for a hearing! Be sure to include your name and address, as well.

Senator Bob Smith, Chairman
Senate Environmental Committee
SenBSmith@njleg.org
216 Stelton Road, Suite E-5
Piscataway, NJ 08854

SUMMARY: In brief, the Monk Parakeet (or Wild Quaker Parrot) has been living wild and free in NJ for over 30 years (originally released intentionally or by accident). They have never harmed native species nor posed a threat to agriculture as the State thought they would when they put them on the "potentially dangerous species" list. By being on this list, they are afforded no protection under the law. This bill would remove them from the list and afford the birds, their nests, and their eggs protection from inhumane treatment. It would also allow us to construct alternative nesting platforms and provide safe sanctuary and new homes for the urban parrots. Presently, any efforts to assist the wild parrots while they are on the list of "potentially dangerous species" would result in a $5000.00 penalty!

UPDATE: On Monday, May 22nd, in a bi-partisan triumph, Bill A1237 was unanimously passed (77-0) by the full Assembly! http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp?BillNumber=A1237

I am hopeful that we will get the support of the Senate Environmental Committee, and then we will appear in front of the general Senate, where I am also hoping for a win. At that point the bill will be submitted for review by the Governor, and, hopefully, turned into law! If the bill is passed into law, it will be mark the first time-ever-that legislatio"  –Steve Maillet L40@aol.com