The NTA entered the Maine Animal Protection Institute (API) law suit as an intervener in February of 2007. The NTA is, and has been, deeply involved in both the Maine and Minnesota lawsuits filed by API to curtail trapping activities to protect lynx as an endangered species. The law firm of Kelley Drye Collier Shannon represented the NTA in this case. There was a team of intervener participants helping the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife defend the action, that was led by the Maine Trappers and included United States Sportsman’s Alliance Foundation, Fur Takers of America, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and the four private trappers that where represented by these interveners. These lawsuits require hundreds of hours of research and prepared statements. The NTA worked as a team member in preparing the motions for summary judgment and opposition to API’s motion for summary judgment, along with the more than two dozen accompanying filings such as the statements and counter-statements of facts, oppositions to statement of facts, exhibits and replies supporting summary judgment.

During the last few days of the suit NTA was in contact multiple times with our legal counsel regarding the API proposed settlement offer. There were several items included in this settlement offer and there had been counter offers. Some of the items change nothing as these regulations had already existed like the body-grip trap requirements. Originally the API had offered 1.75 size traps as a maximum but after negotiations it was agreed to replace the trap size with a trap dimension 5-3/8” inside jaw spread and any trap on land with a jaw spread of greater then 5” must be offset. API had also asked for padded jaws and 24 hour check but these items where not included in the final settlement. There is also a restriction of 13” square opening on cage traps. The restrictions are specific to activities in Management Districts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, & 11. The individuals from Maine involved with this lawsuit were satisfied with the result and “they will be able to continue trapping with minimal restrictions”. The NTA thanks everyone for their dedication and work toward bringing this suit to conclusion.