Save Highlands Ranch Open Space Native Wildlife
Target:
Tom Hoby, Director of Parks and Open Space, Highlands Ranch Metro Districts
We encourage Metro Districts to conserve our native Colorado wildlife. We oppose thinning and other lethal controls of prairie dog colonies in our open spaces. The term "relocating" for the black footed ferret program really means extermination - gassing and freezing for feeding purposes and we oppose this treatment of our native wildlife.
We encourage Metro Districts to conserve our native Colorado wildlife. We oppose thinning and other lethal controls of prairie dog colonies in our open spaces. The term "relocating" for the black footed ferret program really means extermination - gassing and freezing for feeding purposes and we oppose this treatment of our native wildlife.
Relocation... The Real Story
Highlands Ranch Metro Districts uses the term %u201Crelocation,%u201D a misleading term at best, for the death of these prairie dogs. Prairie dogs slated for %u201Crelocation%u201D are in actuality, vacuumed and or trapped, and subsequently killed and frozen as food for black-footed ferrets--or caged for up to one month for live-feeding purposes. These prairie dogs are forced to endure heartbreakingly inhumane conditions.
Highlands Ranch Metro Districts has implemented a %u201CPrairie Dog Conservation Policy%u201D which does not promote the conservation of prairie dogs, and contributes to the decline of other wildlife in and around open space habitats. Metro Districts Open Space routinely %u201Cthins%u201D prairie dog colonies, removing a large percentage of the colony. This thinning creates an unnatural state for the animals and higher birth rates the following spring (normal birth rates are 3 %u2013 4 pups, once a year). Thinning performed on other species has resulted in population explosions. This is a cruel and expensive method of controlling populations, and no other counties we know of use this practice. Prairie dogs have proven very effective at controlling their own populations, killing up to 50% of their own young when faced with barriers to expansion.
The prairie dog is a Keystone Species. Scientists now understand that more than 160 species are dependent to a greater or lesser degree on the prairie dog. With its abrupt decline, we are in great danger of losing many other species
We urge you to make a difference. Highlands Ranch citizens are increasingly speaking up in defense of native wildlife species such as the prairie dog. We CAN send a clear message to Metro Districts policy makers that we will not stand idly by while our last remaining natural areas are sterilized.
Prairie Dog Myths:
Myth #1: Prairie Dog Populations are Abundant. In actuality, prairie dog populations are 1- 2% of their historic numbers.
Myth #2: Prairie Dogs Spread the Plague. In reality, prairie dogs lack immunity to the plague and, consequently, the mortality rate for infected prairie dogs is 99%. From 1957-2002, only six cases of the plague were directly linked to prairie dogs, and of those six cases, only one was a fatality. Additionally, plague in humans is easily treatable with standard antibiotics.
We signed the "Save Highlands Ranch Open Space Native Wildlife" petition!
# 954:
5:15 pm PDT, Sep 8,
Denise Luisi, Florida
# 953:
5:04 pm PDT, Aug 12,
Bonnie G., Colorado
Unfortunately we currently live in a Shea home and were unaware of their practices before we purchased the place. Never again will we buy another Shea Home. We should have known better...but then again, any developer who builds houses so close together that you can high-five your neighbor out the 2nd story bathroom window in the morning is obviously out to maximize profits and most likely could give a d*mn about the poor, insignificant-to-them little animals. But the counties are also to blame. They allow the developers to come in and pave over everything for profit. And of course, the homes still sell! Nothing will change until homes just sit and whither away unsold.
Unfortunately we currently live in a Shea home and were unaware of their practices before we purchased the place. Never again will we buy another Shea Home. We should have known better...but then again, any developer who builds houses so close together that you can high-five your neighbor out the 2nd story bathroom window in the morning is obviously out to maximize profits and most likely could give a d*mn about the poor, insignificant-to-them little animals. But the counties are also to blame. They allow the developers to come in and pave over everything for profit. And of course, the homes still sell! Nothing will change until homes just sit and whither away unsold.
# 952:
9:26 am PDT, Aug 4,
Love Animals Too, New York
# 951:
12:52 pm PDT, Jul 29,
Nancy Aiils, Colorado
# 950:
1:08 pm PDT, Jul 12,
David Till, Texas
# 949:
10:13 pm PDT, Jun 1,
Brian Henderson, Pennsylvania
# 948:
12:36 am PDT, Apr 16,
Kenneth Andersen, Norway
# 947:
4:06 am PDT, Mar 29,
Beverly Fannin, Florida
# 946:
4:27 pm PDT, Mar 27,
Rebecca Eller, Colorado
Developers, ranchers, and recreational shooters in Highlands Ranch show no sign of scaling back in the destruction of prairie dogs. Prairie dogs are at under 1% of their historic population. This radical depopulation is extremely alarming given the number of vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant species dependent on prairie dogs and their colonies. Estimates of dependent vertebrate species alone have been placed as high as 170. The diversity of species on prairie dog towns is significantly greater than in short- or mixed-grass prairie without prairie dogs.
Developers, ranchers, and recreational shooters in Highlands Ranch show no sign of scaling back in the destruction of prairie dogs. Prairie dogs are at under 1% of their historic population. This radical depopulation is extremely alarming given the number of vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant species dependent on prairie dogs and their colonies. Estimates of dependent vertebrate species alone have been placed as high as 170. The diversity of species on prairie dog towns is significantly greater than in short- or mixed-grass prairie without prairie dogs.
# 945:
2:20 pm PDT, Mar 26,
Julie McLean, Colorado
As a keystone species and native to Colorado, the prairie dog needs our help. Considering that 98% of its native habitat has been reduced or populations of prairie dogs have been decimated by poisoning, hunting or "relocating" , as well as disease, in the past 100 years, we must take immediate action to protect this precious species of wildlife. We've developed and gobbled up enough land, especially in Highlands Ranch!
As a keystone species and native to Colorado, the prairie dog needs our help. Considering that 98% of its native habitat has been reduced or populations of prairie dogs have been decimated by poisoning, hunting or "relocating" , as well as disease, in the past 100 years, we must take immediate action to protect this precious species of wildlife. We've developed and gobbled up enough land, especially in Highlands Ranch!
# 944:
6:34 pm PDT, Mar 22,
Bernadettte Przybyl, New York
# 943:
2:48 pm PDT, Mar 20,
Donna Eitel, Colorado
# 942:
7:06 am PDT, Mar 15,
Shari Person, Colorado
# 941:
12:27 pm PST, Mar 1,
Name not displayed, Tennessee
# 940:
11:35 pm PST, Feb 19,
Jeramie Dreyfuss, Idaho
# 939:
2:19 pm PST, Jan 20,
Sarah Wiedel, Illinois
# 938:
6:26 am PST, Jan 17,
Simona Minopoli, Italy
# 937:
4:39 am PST, Jan 16,
Rosamund Downing, Connecticut
There is enough cruelty in the world without further abusing these gentle creatures.
There is enough cruelty in the world without further abusing these gentle creatures.
# 936:
6:55 pm PST, Jan 15,
Janet Thew, California
As a Colorado native, I am appalled at such cruelty.
As a Colorado native, I am appalled at such cruelty.
# 935:
6:17 pm PST, Jan 15,
Kayleene Miller, California
Murder is not a solution to any problem!!!
Murder is not a solution to any problem!!!
# 934:
6:16 pm PST, Jan 15,
Brenda Jaime, California
# 933:
6:15 pm PST, Jan 15,
Tina Jaime, California
Stop murdering these beautiful animals.
Stop murdering these beautiful animals.
# 932:
5:25 pm PST, Jan 15,
Barbara McLendon, Georgia
# 931:
9:11 am PST, Dec 24,
Hillary Culver, Kentucky
# 930:
12:14 pm PST, Dec 16,
Drusilla Keeling, Oklahoma
# 929:
10:47 am PST, Dec 3,
Name not displayed, California
Save the ferrets!
Save the ferrets!
# 928:
9:10 am PDT, Oct 24,
Charla Till, Texas
# 927:
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1:57 pm PDT, Oct 8,
Kat Mosi Yazzie, Kansas
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# 926:
10:41 pm PDT, Sep 17,
Brynne O'Banion, Colorado
# 925:
11:18 am PDT, Sep 9,
Name not displayed, Colorado
Why not conserve life rather than extinguish it? This shouldn't even be an issue, but it is sad that it is. Colorado's native wildlife needs your help Tom Hoby. Please help them to live and thrive in THEIR home.
Why not conserve life rather than extinguish it? This shouldn't even be an issue, but it is sad that it is. Colorado's native wildlife needs your help Tom Hoby. Please help them to live and thrive in THEIR home.
# 924:
2:55 pm PDT, Aug 24,
Brianne Caropolo, Colorado
The human race should be ashamed to take little thought in what happens to animals for our own selfish gain. We all, as humans, avoid pain, torture and terror at all costs and yet we will let something else suffer those things without a second thought.
The human race should be ashamed to take little thought in what happens to animals for our own selfish gain. We all, as humans, avoid pain, torture and terror at all costs and yet we will let something else suffer those things without a second thought.
# 923:
1:20 pm PDT, Aug 19,
Chum R, Canada
# 922:
8:35 am PDT, Aug 12,
Jill Nealy, Colorado
Not very earth friendly. I know if I was ever to relocate, researching how Green and earth friendly a community is will be one of the deciding factors. I don't want to feel bad about where I live and ashamed of my Park Directors decisions.
Not very earth friendly. I know if I was ever to relocate, researching how Green and earth friendly a community is will be one of the deciding factors. I don't want to feel bad about where I live and ashamed of my Park Directors decisions.
# 921:
7:47 am PDT, Aug 11,
Stacey Fry, Colorado
I am outraged that Douglas County would be a part of killing our natural habitat!
I am outraged that Douglas County would be a part of killing our natural habitat!
# 920:
1:32 pm PDT, Aug 9,
Name not displayed, Colorado
The wildlife were here first! We need to live in harmoney. People who buy property on the open spaces must have realized there would be wildlife coming into their backyards. You cannot kill all of them!
The wildlife were here first! We need to live in harmoney. People who buy property on the open spaces must have realized there would be wildlife coming into their backyards. You cannot kill all of them!
# 919:
10:49 am PDT, Jul 28,
Laurel Dowd, Colorado
This is a disgusting way of getting rid of animals. The term "relocate" should be illegal to use to discribe these methods.
This is a disgusting way of getting rid of animals. The term "relocate" should be illegal to use to discribe these methods.
# 918:
2:04 pm PDT, Jul 25,
Laura Finder, Colorado
# 917:
12:39 pm PDT, Jul 25,
Kristina Gurdikian, Colorado
# 916:
3:58 am PDT, Jul 9,
Name not displayed, Colorado
Look, I am a true American who believes in capitalism. I fully support everyone's right to maximize their profits. No one is too rich (unless THEY say they are). I am not an environmental whacko. But, come on. Killing innocent animals to pave the way for your own profits? That's about as selfish and unethical an act as I can think of. I've heard that it is actually cheaper to relocate them to land that won't be developed than to poison them, etc. Now, I know that a lot of social groups make claims like that that are simply not true. But, even if it turns out that it costs more to relocate the animals, that is the least you can do. You are already forcing them out of their homes. How would you like that? You'd expect some restitution, at the minimum. We're not even asking you to properly compensate them for the hassle you are putting them through (perhaps you should build them some awesome new tunnels with running water, etc. to compensate for your actions -- you know, fair trade ... you want something they have, give them something extra to make it a win-win). The least you can do is at least release them on some new land that won't be developed. What you're doing actually appears to even be pretty stupid with regard to business strategy (the cost you're saving versus the cost of the ill-will you are creating). I live in a Shea home now. But, I have to say, this will certainly enter into my decision when it comes time for another home purchase. And, I will definitely share this with anyone I know who is shopping for a home (now or in the future).
Look, I am a true American who believes in capitalism. I fully support everyone's right to maximize their profits. No one is too rich (unless THEY say they are). I am not an environmental whacko. But, come on. Killing innocent animals to pave the way for your own profits? That's about as selfish and unethical an act as I can think of. I've heard that it is actually cheaper to relocate them to land that won't be developed than to poison them, etc. Now, I know that a lot of social groups make claims like that that are simply not true. But, even if it turns out that it costs more to relocate the animals, that is the least you can do. You are already forcing them out of their homes. How would you like that? You'd expect some restitution, at the minimum. We're not even asking you to properly compensate them for the hassle you are putting them through (perhaps you should build them some awesome new tunnels with running water, etc. to compensate for your actions -- you know, fair trade ... you want something they have, give them something extra to make it a win-win). The least you can do is at least release them on some new land that won't be developed. What you're doing actually appears to even be pretty stupid with regard to business strategy (the cost you're saving versus the cost of the ill-will you are creating). I live in a Shea home now. But, I have to say, this will certainly enter into my decision when it comes time for another home purchase. And, I will definitely share this with anyone I know who is shopping for a home (now or in the future).
# 915:
7:18 pm PDT, Jul 8,
Name not displayed, Colorado
We will NEVER buy another Shea home again unless this practice is stopped!!! We are outraged by your actions, Shea homes!!
We will NEVER buy another Shea home again unless this practice is stopped!!! We are outraged by your actions, Shea homes!!
# 914:
7:50 am PDT, Jun 28,
Julie Sarff, Colorado
Another super target! Give me and prarie dogs a break
Another super target! Give me and prarie dogs a break
# 913:
11:10 am PDT, Jun 23,
Michelle Maxie, Colorado
# 912:
12:38 pm PDT, Jun 16,
Erin Goulet, Colorado
# 911:
1:12 pm PDT, Jun 12,
Monica Teinert, Colorado
I am outraged that a community such as the Denver area advertises having open spaces ... and then kills the wildlife attracted to those spaces.
I am outraged that a community such as the Denver area advertises having open spaces ... and then kills the wildlife attracted to those spaces.
# 910:
12:35 pm PDT, Jun 4,
Marla De Vries, Netherlands
# 909:
2:41 pm PDT, May 31,
Name not displayed, Illinois
I do not release my address on the internet but you have my email address and correct city. Please beware that eliminating animals from our ecosystem will cause an adverse affect on our way of life. We must look to the effect in the future for the preservation of their lives in order to preserve our own.
I do not release my address on the internet but you have my email address and correct city. Please beware that eliminating animals from our ecosystem will cause an adverse affect on our way of life. We must look to the effect in the future for the preservation of their lives in order to preserve our own.
# 908:
1:32 pm PDT, May 28,
James Goos, Montana
James W. Goos Woody Creek Resources, LLc. Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Conservation Services Bozeman, Montana
James W. Goos Woody Creek Resources, LLc. Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Conservation Services Bozeman, Montana
# 907:
9:24 am PDT, May 28,
Michelle Leuenberger, Colorado
# 906:
8:23 am PDT, May 28,
Laraine Pritts, Arizona
# 905:
9:16 pm PDT, May 27,
Randy McLellan, Colorado
Thank you for your efforts and I appreciated seeing people wanting to make an effort against bulldozing Corporate decisions and their childish behaviours. Glad to see grown ups making big boy actions. Shame on you Shea Homes, make smarter decisions! Do you treat your employees this way as well?
Thank you for your efforts and I appreciated seeing people wanting to make an effort against bulldozing Corporate decisions and their childish behaviours. Glad to see grown ups making big boy actions. Shame on you Shea Homes, make smarter decisions! Do you treat your employees this way as well?
# 904:
8:50 pm PDT, May 27,
Kristin Kettunen, Colorado
Prairie dogs were here before we were. What right do we have to exterminate them for another business and more tax revenue. Save them! Relocate them to a safe home. Shea Homes said they would do this and now are trying to back out - shame on them!
Prairie dogs were here before we were. What right do we have to exterminate them for another business and more tax revenue. Save them! Relocate them to a safe home. Shea Homes said they would do this and now are trying to back out - shame on them!
# 903:
7:00 pm PDT, May 27,
Cynthia Fravel, Colorado
We, as Americans must do a better job of being stewards of our land. That includes protecting the wildlife on it instead of killing it to gain yet more land to build on.
We, as Americans must do a better job of being stewards of our land. That includes protecting the wildlife on it instead of killing it to gain yet more land to build on.
# 902:
5:20 pm PDT, May 27,
Shaun Kettunen, Colorado
