STORY: Department of Fish and Wildlife sends a letter to a
home/landowner asking for permission to access a creek on their property to
document the decline in a certain species of unheard of frogs.
*****The homeowners response in the second letter is EPIC*****
Letter From Dept. of Fish & Wildlife:
Dear Landowner:
DFW 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 XXXXXX
Conservation Strategy Implementation Biologist
********RESPONSE FROM LANDOWNERS: ********
Dear Mr. XXXXXX
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 8am and 3pm but you cannot commence
survey until 9am and must cease all survey activity by 1pm.
Survey Gear can only include a net with a 2″ diameter made of 100%
organic cotton netting with no longer than an 18″ 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 wooden handles.
After 1pm 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 waives 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 online 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,
Larry & Amanda XXXXXXX
