A Letter from The Department of Fish and Wildlife

[pghgeorge]

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

 

[Gundog]

Anybody who has ever hunted, fished, hiked, swam, or camped on government land can relate to this.

[Senko lover]

I love it!

[flyfisher]

I know it isn't true, most likely but all i can think of is that the guy who owns the land is a dick.

[MassYak85]

That's some good stuff right there 

 

[deaknh03]

15 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

I know it isn't true, most likely but all i can think of is that the guy who owns the land is a dick.

Yep..and I love it.

[IndianaFinesse]

Maybe it's true, or maybe not.  But I really don't care, that is the funniest thing I've read all week.

[Bankbeater]

That's great!

[jr231]

This is great. In a perfect world, the fees we do pay are a great thing. To help conserve our game and land. Re-stocking of loved species and keeping poachers from doing what they do. But. Everything is so corrupt. And it's obvious they're lazy. It's all about the money. For the king pins new marina while I can hardly afford a tiny boat from 1953 

[WIGuide]

No idea if that's legit, but either way that's great!

 

[Jtrout]

Lol thats awesome! Guess they didnt get to survey his creek!

[Al Wolbach]

13 hours ago, flyfisher said:

I know it isn't true, most likely but all i can think of is that the guy who owns the land is a dick.

I would call him a poet.....great response.

[Dwight Hottle]

A classic.

[fishinfiend]

love it!

[Ratherbfishing]

12 hours ago, Jtrout said:

Lol thats awesome! Guess they didnt get to survey his creek!

More than likely, they conducted an interagency feasibility study spanning several years and and costing many hundreds of thousands of dollars to determine their various options.  Then, a new regional superintendent would cancel the study.

[Torn Thumb]

This is Massachusetts all day.

[PourMyOwn]

1 hour ago, Torn Thumb said:

This is Massachusetts all day.

Yes, indeed. I live right on the border-near Athol/Orange. I feel bad for those of you in Western Mass. You really get hammered with taxes and laws compared to NH.