Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife does NOT have to give USDA a depredation permit. Nor do they have to agree philosophically or scientifically with USDA's actions. As a courtesy (but not as a legal mandate), USDA consults with WDFW from time to time on issues. If WDFW disagrees with USDA's actions, they can (and do) voice their opinion(s). However, because USDA does not require permission of any kind from WDFW, they are under no legal obligation to modify their actions in light of WDFW's views. As a result, WDFW's objections rarely result in any substantive change in USDA actions.

Chris Thompson
WDFW

>>> "Greg Toffic" <Greg.Toffic at zoo.org> 03/13/04 12:38PM >>>
Yeah, actually I thought that was probably the case. Does WA Dept. of F & W also have to give permission?
Greg


-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Thompson [mailto:THOMPCWT at dfw.wa.gov]
Sent: 13 March, 2004 12:27 PM
To: coopershwk at hotmail.com; tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: Gulls under the gun!


Blake Iverson is correct. USDA obtains depredation permits from USFWS.

Chris Thompson
WA. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

>>> "Blake Iverson" <coopershwk at hotmail.com> 03/13/04 12:12PM >>>
That's too bad that the wonded gulls were not killed to cease their
suffering. Gulls are protected by the MBTA but if you apply for a
depredation permit, you can kill them. That's probably what has happened.
The more letters you send to F&W the better, let them know how you feel
about it. DON'T EMAIL! They never respond.


Blake Iverso
Arlington, WA
coopershwk at hotmail.com

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