IF THE
GOVERNMENT WANTS TO BE PC, SO BE IT!
Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife 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.
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
********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 need to obtain a Frog Habitat parking
permit ($10.00 per vehicle) and an Invasive Species stamp ($15.00 for the first vehicle and $5.00 for each additional vehicle).
You must also register at the Check Station to have your vehicle inspected for non-native plant life prior to entering our property. Additionally, there is 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 may 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 may only be made of
wood or BPA-free plastics.
After 1pm you may use a net with a 3" diameter if you purchase the Frog Net Endorsement ($75.00 Resident / $250 Non-Resident).
Any frogs captured and released must be freed into the
environment unharmed with an approved release device.
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 must provide evidence of successful completion of Frog Surveys and You: A 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 further assistance to you, otherwise we decline your request for access to our property. But we appreciate your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Larry & Amanda Anderson.