Zinke Reverses Federal Lead Ban

Federal lead ban imposed on last day of Obama administration

The Washington Post reports Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke repealed the lead ammunition and fishing tackle ban instituted on federal lands. Zinke’s repeal countermands the order made by former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Director Dan Ashe on the last day of the Obama administration.

“Secretary Zinke’s rapid response to the previous administration’s parting shot … demonstrates the true friend and common sense solutions we can expect from the Department of the Interior,” said Lawrence G. Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, in a press release. Keane added Zinke’s decisive action tells people what to expect of the new Interior Secretary who’s an outdoorsman himself.

The Foundation reports Zinke also signed an order re-establishing the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council. Originally chartered by President George W. Bush, the Council ensures sportsmen have a formal role in making recommendations on policies affecting hunting, fishing, shooting access, and wildlife conservation. Gage Skidmore photo