>But of course I am not naive enough to
>believe that data make any difference in controversies where human beings
>are pitted against wildlife.

Actually, in the case of the woman who wrote the letter triggering
this, it just might. You never know. Many folks resist changes
to the status quo of protected areas because change is so often
bad for wildlife, and because we humans as a species simply seem
resistant to change. Nisqually's wonderful the way it was, thus
there's a natural first impulse on the part of many to put it back.
Convincing them it might be MORE wonderful may be a challenge, but
don't give up just because some well-meaning folks react in this
natural way to change.

- Don Baccus, Portland OR <donb at rational.com>
Nature photos, on-line guides, more at http://www.xxxpdx.com/~dhogaza