May 3rd, 2017
I had a phone conversation with Eric Sklar, the President of the Fish and Game Commission.
He explained that their hands are tied on ferrets because it would require a full-blown EIR. He said (and I think he meant this unofficially) that we would have to pay $200,000 but when all finished it would be $600,000.
And afterwards the Commission would be sued by environmental groups opposing it. (Is he calling the California Waterfowl Assoc an Environmental group).
He said that is a position that neither they nor us wish to be in.
Our best option he said is to find a legislator. I explained the past futility of our efforts.
But if the Fish and Game Commission gives us a nudge, I’m going to predict success.
I asked him to write a letter explaining to legislators that this is the only way forward. He seems like he wants to do this and will check with his staff.
I will contact him in one week seeing if we get this favor.
Keep in mind, in past legislative efforts Fish and Game opposed us. This time around we would expect some support on their end.
I appreciate Mr. Sklar’s time and opinion, not to mention his willingness to work with us.