MISSOULA (AP) -- The National Wildlife Federation has named David Stalling one of its global warming outreach coordinators.

''The National Wildlife Federation has taken this on as a No. 1 priority,'' Stalling said. ''They've hired several coordinators around the country. Our job is to let people know how global warming will affect our wildlife and help organize grass-roots efforts to influence policies.''

Stalling led Trout Unlimited's efforts that helped protect the Rocky Mountain Front from oil and gas drilling. As president of the Montana Wildlife Federation, Stalling led the effort to abolish game farms in the state.

He plans to use those community organizational skills again to spread the word about global warming.

''I want to get out in the rural areas and start talking with people who are close to the ground,'' he said. ''They see what's happening and they are concerned about the issue of global warming. We want to make sure their voices are heard back in Washington, D.C.''

The federation's focus is on legislation that will lead to an annual 2 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, in hopes of achieving an 80 percent reduction by the middle of the century.

''The reality is that these amounts can be accomplished through more renewable energy, more effective use of energy and cleaner technologies,'' Stalling said.

The federation's efforts will also focus on global warming legislation that has a funding component for fish and wildlife.

People are already stepping forward to help.

In March, 200 National Wildlife Federation volunteers from around the country met in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to support legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and include funding to help states protect, restore and reconnect habitat to ensure wildlife can adapt to and endure the effects of global warming.

The Montana Wildlife Federation recently passed a resolution saying it supports state and federal policies that address greenhouse gas emissions and funding for wildlife.

The state organization said it would work to rally hunters, anglers and others to exert pressure on decision makers to ensure immediate action be taken to address the issue of global warming.

''The time for debate is over,'' Stalling said. ''The good news is there are things that can be done that will make a difference.''

Some lawmakers continue to express concern about the economic effects of addressing the global warming issue.

''The bottom line is that it seems silly to be debating jobs when you consider what's at risk,'' Stalling said. ''Increased drought, bigger and more fires, loss of water for irrigation and fish. It seems obvious that something needs to be done. It's going to take a grass-roots effort to make it happen.''

Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com