Assault on ecologist part of AGFD's larger problem of hearing and
respecting public input.
March 25, 2004
Duane Shroufe, Director
Arizona Game & Fish Dept.
602.789.3299 fax
Mr. Shroufe --
The short history of the Sabino Canyon lion controversy has in too
many
instances involved efforts by the Arizona Game and Fish Department
and the
Arizona Game and Fish Commission to avoid public oversight and involvement
in the decision making process. The latest incident took place this
afternoon at the AGFD press briefing.
Daniel R. Patterson, the Center's desert ecologist, sat through the
briefing and upon its conclusion stood up to clarify a statement by
Gerry
Perry that was inaccurate. Mr. Patterson explained that public-interest
groups did not ask AGFD to capture and remove the lions, and thus the
costs
associated with such a program have been proposed by AGFD itself, not
the
environmental community. In response, he was physically grabbed by
two
AGFD employees and forcefully removed from the public discussion. He
suffered a cut on the forehead, and had his arm and fingers violently
twisted behind his back. He was threatened with arrest.
This unfortunate treatment of Mr. Patterson goes far beyond his rights
as a
citizen and the rights of the Center to provide accurate information
about
a pressing public matter; they reflect a continuing pattern in which
the
Department and Commission dismisses public opinion, avoids forums where
the
public is allowed to speak, and seeks to squelch opinions which differ
from
their own.
The lion controversy is not going to end soon. Public interest in
the management of wildlife will never end. I suggest you review this
event
and take action to ensure that in the future the Department solicits,
encourages, and responds to public input -- even if the input is contrary
to the Department's official positions.
Sincerely,
Kieran Suckling
Executive Director
(end)
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