Today I have to share one of my all-time favorites (so far) to come out of all the efforts of Americans to tell government where to stop.
When two Oregon Ranchers were contacted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife authorities about conducting a habitat survey project on their land related to an endangered frog species—which could be used as an excuse to confiscate or interfere with their use of their property— they promptly wrote back:
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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 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 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 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 Anderson
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Don’t believe they did it? The actual letters involved in this correspondence are posted online: http://www.patheos.com/…/oregon-rancher-receives-governmen…/
This is exactly the kind of response that is necessary— gentle, but to the point, and guaranteed to both make people think and put an end to the nonsense.
There are many, many ways to respond to “government” that expose the Truth and which protect your rights which are perfectly correct and lawful and nonetheless provide a powerful deterrent. Find them. Use them. Teach others to do the same. Sounds like Larry and Amanda Anderson should be offering a tutorial ($25 for residents, $575 for non-residents) on “How to Communicate With Bureaucrats”.
Read on:
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