Canadian Airgun Forum

STORY:*
The State of* O*regon* D*epartment of* F*ish and* W*ildlife sent a letter to a home/landowner asking for permission to access a creek on his property to document the decline in a certain species of unheard of frogs.
The property owners’ response in the second letter is EPIC.
Original Letter from Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife:

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Dear Landowner:
ODFW Staff will be conducting surveys for* foothill yellow-legged frogs &
other amphibians* over the next few months. As part of this research we
would like to survey the creek on your property. I am writing this letter
to request your permission to access your property.
Recent research indicates that foothill yellow-legged frogs have declined
significantly in recent years and are no longer found at half their
historic sites. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated and will help
contribute to the conservation of this important species.
Please fill out the attached postage-paid postcard and let us know if you
are willing to let us cross your property or not.
If you have any concerns about this project please give us a call. We would
love to talk with you about our research.
Sincerely

Steve Niemela
Conservation Strategy Implementation Biologist

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*RESPONSE FROM LANDOWNERS:*

Dear Mr. Niemela:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding accessing our property to survey for
the yellow-legged frog. We may be able to help you out with this
matter.
We have divided our 2.26 acres into 75 equal survey units with a draw tag
for each unit. Application fees are only $8.00 per unit after you purchase
the "Frog Survey License" ($120.00 resident / $180.00 Non-Resident). You
will also need to obtain a "Frog Habitat" parking permit ($10.00 per
vehicle).
You will also need an* "Invasive Species" stamp* ($15.00 for the first
vehicle and $5.00 for each add'l vehicle) You will also want to register at
the Check Station to have your vehicle inspected for non-native plant life
prior to entering our property. There is also a Day Use fee, $5.00 per
vehicle.
If you are successful in the Draw you will be notified two weeks in advance
so you can make necessary plans and purchase your "Creek Habitat" stamp.
($18.00 Resident / $140.00 Non-Resident).
Survey units open between 8 am. and 3 pm. but you cannot commence survey
until 9 am. and must cease all survey activity by 1 pm.
Survey Gear can only include a net with a 2" diameter made of 100% organic
cotton netting with no longer than an 18-ft handle, non-weighted and no
deeper than 6' from net frame to bottom of net. Handles can only be made of
BPA-free plastics or wood.
After 1 pm. you can use a net with a 3" diameter if you purchase the "Frog
Net Endorsement" ($75.00 Resident / $250 Non-Resident).
Any frogs captured that are released will need to be released with an
approved release device back into the environment unharmed.
As of June 1, we are offering draw tags for our "Premium Survey" units and
application is again only $8.00 per application.
However, all fees can be waived if you can verify "Native Indian Tribal
rights and status".
You will also need to provide evidence of successful completion of "Frog
Surveys and You" comprehensive course on frog identification, safe handling
practices, and self-defense strategies for frog attacks.
This course is offered on-line through an accredited program for a nominal
fee of $750.00.
Please let us know if we can be of assistance to you. Otherwise, we decline your access to our property but appreciate your inquiry.

Sincerely,
LANDOWNERS.

I absolutely love this story - a prime example of turning the tables on bureaucrats!

LOVE IT

SilentMan...

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4.5mm
To many and not enough.

6mm
Not enough and to many.