Sara
Debbie Miller @HooootOwl
JD
Scott
Beverly Saltonstall
Burrowing Owls Get No Help from Attorney General
The day has come for a response from the California Attorney General’s office in regards to my letter and request for burrowing owl assistance. After numerous calls and emails to the ‘Office’ over the last month regarding burrowing owl evictions, I was informed during today’s conversation that there may be a potential conflict of interest. And if you sense a red flag then you are most certainly not alone.
Proceeding a potential hardcopy that may formally arrive via mail in the next day or so was a scanned copy from the Natural Resource Section patiently awaiting my inbox perusal. The contents of the letter are as follows (click here for a larger image):
I can definitely understand the concept of a conflict of interest so no arguments here. Oh, except that it is too bad California’s agencies do not appear interested in protecting the People’s burrowing owl populations and wildlife resources. But to that I must say Bravo to those employees (scientists, biologists, etc.) working to correct the status quo and make conservation a priority. And the saga continues…
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I, for one, am not surprised. It is interesting to note that the AG’s office seems to expect litigation. I like the soothing touch of the last paragraph thanking you for your commitment to protecting California’s Burrowing Owls.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your commitment.
I wonder if I will also get an answer to my letter? I am waiting patiently.
I guess you haven’t heard anything from CDFG?
Larry Jordan´s last blog ..Burrowing Owl Artificial Burrow Installation
I liked that comment as well. I think they were just sticking it to me to be honest. if they actually cared then the AG would step up and advise the CDFG to change their policies. Is that not what they are there for, to ensure laws are being followed?
And as far as CDFG…Blacklisted!
Larry hit the nail on the head: I’m not at all surprised. Disappointed, yes, but not surprised. Next step? Governor’s office, the media and/or federal authorities? At best this is a cheap excuse, and at worst it’s a horrific example of the state protecting its own interests at the expense of wildlife.
As I’m a Texan with no idea how to proceed under California law, please tell me what I can do to help. I’ve received gratuitous brush-offs from the state in response to my various missives. Since I’m not a resident, this doesn’t shock me as I have no legal or financial claim in the matter. Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.
And I second Larry’s comment: Thank you for not giving up the fight and thank you for doing what needs to be done to protect the owls! Your dedication is inspirational and your focus is honorable. But now I ask one more thing: your continued guidance and leadership. I’ll help in whatever way I can; just show me the path.
We are currently exploring a new route as it is now much more than these burrowing owls, but burrowing owls in the Bay Area and the rest of California. And thanks for sending the letters and be proud that the brush-offs you received were for all practical purposes equivalent to what we Californians received.
I hope to have some more details on our next steps in the upcoming week. I will most definitely keep you posted.
[...] with the recent news from the Attorney General citing a conflict of interest, it is again up to the People to provide government agency oversight [...]
I’m scared to say I get the latter feeling you had Jason, that it’s interests protected at expense of wildllife. Out of fear of potential litigation no action will be taken. Just a pawned off letter of “thank you for taking the time to write us but….”
The power is through the people, facilitated with online arenas mainly through social networking (such as you already have Scott with your fan page) and other online mediums, press releases, articles etc…