Talk to the hand

[PhishLI]

The State of NC Department of Fish and Wildlife sends 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.

Letter from NC Dept. Of Fish & Wildlife:

Dear Landowner: NCWRC 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

 

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 in 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 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 Your" 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,

Larry & Amanda Anderson.

 

 

 

[flyfisher]

I know this is tongue in cheek, I hope but the guy seems like an ******* to me.

[MN Fisher]

Just now, flyfisher said:

I know this is tongue in cheek, I hope but the guy seems like an ******* to me.

I personally think he's a genius - I mean we get dinged for everything from boat/trailer registration fees, fishing license, special added species specific fees, and in some states launch fees.

 

He's just getting his 'due' back.

[Crankin4Bass]

That was a hilarious response. I wouldn't let them on my property! My BIL had two lots he inherited in FL that were declared wildlife sanctuaries for scrub jay. He couldn't do a darn thing with the lots but pay taxes.

[flyfisher]

13 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I personally think he's a genius - I mean we get dinged for everything from boat/trailer registration fees, fishing license, special added species specific fees, and in some states launch fees.

 

He's just getting his 'due' back.

I guess I don't see it as dinged in any way.  I am paying to use a resource that is not maintained by me.  I mean i know casual golfers that spend way more than I do as a fisherman on all the fees, licenses etc...and i get fishing licenses in at least 3 states each year, and this is on just a couple rounds of golf.  

 

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, flyfisher said:

I guess I don't see it as dinged in any way.  I am paying to use a resource that is not maintained by me.  I mean i know casual golfers that spend way more than I do as a fisherman on all the fees, licenses etc...and i get fishing licenses in at least 3 states each year, and this is on just a couple rounds of golf.  

 

See - the DNR is a state agency, they get money from income/sales/property taxes. In MN, they also get a share of the proceeds the state receives from the inter-state lottery commission (by an Amendment to the State Constitution) - so they're already getting 'my' money...and now they want all these fees in addition.

 

A golf course is different - it's a private establishment that gets no (or very little) money from the state coffers...so yes, the fees involved are reasonable given that.

[flyfisher]

2 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

See - the DNR is a state agency, they get money from income/sales/property taxes. In MN, they also get a share of the proceeds the state receives from the inter-state lottery commission (by an Amendment to the State Constitution) - so they're already getting 'my' money...and now they want all these fees in addition.

 

A golf course is different - it's a private establishment that gets no (or very little) money from the state coffers...so yes, the fees involved are reasonable given that.

and those golfers still pay for me to go fishing by their taxes too.  I guess I don't see an issue of paying a couple hundred a year on fishing related expenses/licenses etc.....It is probably more of a preference though and i recognize that.  I would be more than willing to help out a study on a potentially endangered species. 

 

[cyclops2]

You let them on ???? their survey might state a Land Restriction use by anyone.  Happens as stated.

You become another snowball in a fire. Paying SPECIAL USE FEES. To use you property. I smell big money needing access to land.

 

The frogs left when Fracking was approved.  They did not want to croak.

[TnRiver46]

14 hours ago, PhishLI said:

The State of NC Department of Fish and Wildlife sends 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.

Letter from NC Dept. Of Fish & Wildlife:

Dear Landowner: NCWRC 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

 

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 in 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 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 Your" 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,

Larry & Amanda Anderson.

 

 

 

Hilarious!

 

good timing too as I renewed my fishing license yesterday. The online system forgot about me so I had to call (because of course they don’t sell them in tackle shops anymore). I told the lady the exact license I wanted (there’s a literally dozens of choices if not 100). I ordered the most basic resident fishing license, type 001 (bout $35 I think) . She rang it up and said “it looks like you’ve had a trout stamp in the past, would you like one of those?” I said no thanks, I didn’t get one last year and I don’t want one this year. She says ok that brings the total to $56 and some odd cents……….. so naturally I was like hey whoa I thought it was 30 something, she says oh yea sorry I put the trout stamp on there. I’ll remove that for you, would you like the durable hard card for an extra $5??????

 

[Tennessee Boy]

22 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

 The online system forgot about me so I had to call

 

The TWRAs computers have a way of forgetting things.  Many years ago my boat registration was about to expire and I had not received a notice in the mail.  I worked close to the TRWA headquarters so I took my old registration in and told them I wanted to renew it.  The lady got on the computer and ask if I still had the boat.  I said “well it was in the garage when I left this morning”.  She said the computer showed that someone in Milam Tennessee owned the boat.  I was very concerned that they had given my boat to someone else.  She said don’t worry about it,  it happens all the time.  She gave me my boat back and everything was fine.

[Chris Catignani]

2 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Hilarious!

 

good timing too as I renewed my fishing license yesterday. The online system forgot about me so I had to call (because of course they don’t sell them in tackle shops anymore). I told the lady the exact license I wanted (there’s a literally dozens of choices if not 100). I ordered the most basic resident fishing license, type 001 (bout $35 I think) . She rang it up and said “it looks like you’ve had a trout stamp in the past, would you like one of those?” I said no thanks, I didn’t get one last year and I don’t want one this year. She says ok that brings the total to $56 and some odd cents……….. so naturally I was like hey whoa I thought it was 30 something, she says oh yea sorry I put the trout stamp on there. I’ll remove that for you, would you like the durable hard card for an extra $5??????

 

Oh...yeah...forgot about that

[Skunkmaster-k]

Self defense strategies for frog attacks ! 

[Log Catcher]

On 3/3/2022 at 6:58 PM, MN Fisher said:

See - the DNR is a state agency, they get money from income/sales/property taxes. In MN, they also get a share of the proceeds the state receives from the inter-state lottery commission (by an Amendment to the State Constitution) - so they're already getting 'my' money...and now they want all these fees in addition.

 

A golf course is different - it's a private establishment that gets no (or very little) money from the state coffers...so yes, the fees involved are reasonable given that.

Down here they don't get any tax money on property tax, sales tax, or lottery. They get funded by the sale hunting and fishing licenses, boat license, and tax on the sales of hunting and fishing equipment.

 

I don't blame the guy in the op for trying to make some money on the situation.

[PhishLI]

25 minutes ago, Log Catcher said:

I don't blame the guy in the op for trying to make some money on the situation.

I don't believe he was. Just flippin the bird at 'em.