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Our View
Good News
Wildlife center spared
The Smithsonian Institution has reversed its announced plan to close for budgetary reasons the National Zoo’s 3,000-acre wildlife Conservation and Research Center near Front Royal. That’s good news. The announcement drew strong opposition from scientists and wildlife researches inside and outside Smithsonian, as well as international organizations, local observers and politicians at local, national and international levels. Researchers at the center are on the cutting edge of worldwide work to save endangered species; yet, the center is a relatively inexpensive facility of 46 employees. Successes in the center’s preservation efforts thus far has benefitted the cheetah, California condor, clouded leopard, giant panda and numerous migratory song birds, among many other nearly extinct animals. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) was among elected officials seeking the reversal. Last week Rep. Wolf said “I am pleased that the proposal to close the CRC has been dropped. The work done there is world renown and closing the facility would have been a mistake. The CRC is a crown jewel. I am particularly pleased that the outstanding scientists who work there, many of whom are pioneers in their fields, will be able to return to producing quality science instead of worrying about losing their jobs. If the CRC were closed, it would be impossible to replicate it anywhere else.” The Smithsonian deserves credit for being smart enough not to proceed with this bad idea. Letters to the editor The Rappahannock News welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers as a forum for discussion of local public affairs subjects. WRITE: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 59, Washington, Va. 22747 EMAIL: bwayland@timespapers.com
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