I didn't have any trouble grasping the basic idea of this survey, but I
totally fail to understand the sourness and negativity of Bill Whan's
reaction.  The Ohio Division of Wildlife -- an agency that does a terrific
job -- is asking birders' opinions on a potential new voluntary source of
funding for some of their programs.  There's a fair amount of information in
the survey, and the original post included website info and contact phone
numbers for anyone who needs to know more.  So what's the problem?  I hope
that most Ohio birders will approach this survey with an open mind.  It took
me only a couple of minutes to complete the survey, and I didn't have any
difficulty "responsibly replying" to it.

Kenn Kaufman
Rocky Ridge, Ohio

Bill Whan wrote:
>  Having looked at it, I can't understand how anyone could responsibly
> reply to this (four-page??) survey without knowing what it's about. Look
> at it, and see what you think. What's a Wildlife Conservation Stamp?
> What is the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Program? What
> exactly would it accomplish on behalf of non-game birds? Why are we
> asked to speak on behalf of organizations to which we belong? Are we
> being asked to buy into the priorities of ODOW? This looks like an
> amateurish attempt to enlist well-meaning birders into a project they
> may not understand or agree with. Tell us more, or change the channel!
> Bill Whan
> Columbus
>
> Kramer, Dan wrote:
>> I am forwarding this email notice on behalf of Kendra Wecker and the
>> Ohio Division of Wildlife.  Any questions can be directed to her at the
>> numbers listed.  This is an opportunity to provide input as to your
>> willingness to voluntarily donate to Ohio's wildlife conservation
>> efforts.  Any further comment on my part could potentially influence
>> your responses, so...thanks for your consideration!>
>> Dan Kramer
>> Dover
>> The Ohio Division of Wildlife is circulating a survey requesting input
>> on a Wildlife Conservation Stamp.  The survey is posted at:
>> http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228A8HKYF7B
>> <http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228A8HKYF7B
>> The survey should only take a few minutes.  Please forward to anyone
>> else you think should take the survey. The survey will be up until
>> November 6.
>> Thank you for your time!
>> Sincerely,
>
>> Kendra Wecker
>> Wildlife Diversity Coordinator
>> Ohio Division of Wildlife
>> 2045 Morse Rd., Bldg. G-3
>> Columbus, OH 43229
>> 614.265.7043
>> 614.262.1143  Fax
>> call 1-800-WILDLIFE for information
>> Visit our website at: www.wildohio.com <http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife
>> Wildlife:  Hunt it, Fish it, Watch it!
>

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