Resolution to Discontinue the Use of Sea Lion Rock in the Copalis National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) as a Bombing Practice Target by the U.S. Navy.

WHEREAS, Sea Lion Rock is so named because it is a favored haul out area for Northern sea lions; and

WHEREAS, Sea Lion Rock is within both the Copalis National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), and the Washington Island Wilderness; and

WHEREAS, marine birds nest and rear their young on islets near Sea Lion Rock; and

WHEREAS, the loud roar of dive-bombing fighter planes disrupts the living conditions of all wildlife species, not only on the three rocks hit during bombing practice, but also in nearby NWR and Wilderness areas, and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy could locate targets in areas remote from important wildlife habitat areas;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the American Society of Mammalogists urges Admiral Carlisle A. H. Trost, Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy, Washington, D.C. 20355, to direct that Navy pilots discontinue practice bombing of Sea Lion Rock and concentrate their bombing practice on targets established for that purpose remote from National Wildlife Refuges and Wilderness areas.