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According to a report released today, California\u2019s San Luis National Wildlife Refuge is under threat as its wetlands and funds run dry. Compiled by the Defenders of Wildlife, \u201cRefuges at Risk,\u201d points to San Luis\u2019 lack of sufficient funds to compete with bigger commercial interests over California\u2019s limited water supply. As the grasslands and wetlands continue to dry up, dependent wildlife as well as migratory birds are adversely affected. An overwhelming ninety-five percent of the state\u2019s wetlands have been modified or destroyed. In addition to San Luis, nine other refuges are noted in the report as being at risk across the United States. The release of this year\u2019s report coincides with the 10 year anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act. The legislation established federal standards for refuges nationwide. \u201cRefuges at Risk,\u201d criticizes the Bush Administration\u2019s implementation of the act and notes the decrease in federal funding over the past ten years. <\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.fws.gov\/duckstamps\/conservation\/states\/California\/Images\/SanLuisNWR-Hollingsworth.jpg\"\/)
GUEST: Kimberley Delfino, California Program Director with Defenders of Wildlife<\/em><\/p>\n