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Turning the tables on the government
Mr. Perfect
Member, Moderator Posts: 66,438 ******
This happened back in June and somehow escaped my notice until now. It's hilarious!!
http://tinyurl.com/h8lpnw9
Oregon rancher receives government request to survey his property - read his brilliant response
June 23, 2016 by Mark Meckler 307 Comments
Screen Shot 2016-06-23 at 9.16.47 AM
So many people cave in and bend over backwards to accommodate the most ridiculous requests of federal and state governments, but this story is a reminder of how we all should respond when bureaucrats come knocking at our doors.
Recently, Oregon ranchers Larry and Amanda Anderson received a letter by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife asking for permission to survey their land in order to track a nearly endangered species. The letter requested use of the landowners' creek to document the amphibian life represented, specifically the foothill yellow-legged frog which is noted to have recently declined in population. If the Anderson's agreed to give the department access, they were ensured as being responsible for "the conservation of this important species."
But the Andersons weren't exactly interested and noticed an opportunity to turn the tables on the request and apply a little "Golden Rule" justice, or at least doing unto the government as is so often done unto them.
The Andersons constructed one of the best come-back letters of all time. The only way to truly appreciate it is to read it in its entirety:
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#8243; diameter made of 100% organic cotton netting with no longer than an 18#8243; handle, non-weighted and no deeper than 6#8242; 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#8243; 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
Pure genius and a testament to the Anderson's resolve to stand up to an intrusive government.
Here are photos of both letters, provided by PowerLine:
Letter-1-copy Letter-2-copy
Join the only movement that can stop government overreach. Click the button below to support a Convention of States team in your state.
http://tinyurl.com/h8lpnw9
Oregon rancher receives government request to survey his property - read his brilliant response
June 23, 2016 by Mark Meckler 307 Comments
Screen Shot 2016-06-23 at 9.16.47 AM
So many people cave in and bend over backwards to accommodate the most ridiculous requests of federal and state governments, but this story is a reminder of how we all should respond when bureaucrats come knocking at our doors.
Recently, Oregon ranchers Larry and Amanda Anderson received a letter by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife asking for permission to survey their land in order to track a nearly endangered species. The letter requested use of the landowners' creek to document the amphibian life represented, specifically the foothill yellow-legged frog which is noted to have recently declined in population. If the Anderson's agreed to give the department access, they were ensured as being responsible for "the conservation of this important species."
But the Andersons weren't exactly interested and noticed an opportunity to turn the tables on the request and apply a little "Golden Rule" justice, or at least doing unto the government as is so often done unto them.
The Andersons constructed one of the best come-back letters of all time. The only way to truly appreciate it is to read it in its entirety:
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#8243; diameter made of 100% organic cotton netting with no longer than an 18#8243; handle, non-weighted and no deeper than 6#8242; 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#8243; 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
Pure genius and a testament to the Anderson's resolve to stand up to an intrusive government.
Here are photos of both letters, provided by PowerLine:
Letter-1-copy Letter-2-copy
Join the only movement that can stop government overreach. Click the button below to support a Convention of States team in your state.
Some will die in hot pursuit
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
Comments
That could come back to bite him. The dept could easily pay the fees to enter, and because his letter spells out what it takes, then they can find he needs to "resore" the habitat. That will cost alot more than the fees he received.
Also, they could just restrict the land because of the endangered species, and kick him off with NO COMPENSATION.
But the letter is still clever.
[:D][:D][:D]
quote: If the Anderson's agreed to give the department access, they were ensured as being responsible for "the conservation of this important species."
That could come back to bite him. The dept could easily pay the fees to enter, and because his letter spells out what it takes, then they can find he needs to "resore" the habitat. That will cost alot more than the fees he received.
Also, they could just restrict the land because of the endangered species, and kick him off with NO COMPENSATION.
But the letter is still clever.
Clearly says they have to show proof of taking a class they will not have taken.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
If a prick in the government bureau decides to make an example, they will outspend you with your tax dollars, PERIOD.
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, if like many of the DNR's, carries alot of power, not constitutionally granted, but they have the full weight of the state dept behind them. It is a game or agency not to be trifled with. A polite decline is all that is needed. When it comes to your property rights, cute little "see I can do it too" can and many times do backfire.
In other words, if they want to check for frogs, they are going to do it with or without your permission.
All of you who are "Boo Hoo Hoo," about it. Need to bend over, next time the Government comes calling. Just saying. [}:)]
Deny the Fire Marshal access to you business and see what happens.
If a prick in the government bureau decides to make an example, they will outspend you with your tax dollars, PERIOD.
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, if like many of the DNR's, carries alot of power, not constitutionally granted, but they have the full weight of the state dept behind them. It is a game or agency not to be trifled with. A polite decline is all that is needed. When it comes to your property rights, cute little "see I can do it too" can and many times do backfire.
In other words, if they want to check for frogs, they are going to do it with or without your permission.
I read it before , months ago. I LOVED it.
All of you who are "Boo Hoo Hoo," about it. Need to bend over, next time the Government comes calling. Just saying. [}:)]
DING DING we have a Winner
At least they Tried And Made a Point[:D][:D][^]