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From: Dutton, Harry [Harry.Dutton@MyFWC.com]
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 3:39 PM
To: Dawn Marie Yankeelov
Subject: RE: Regarding public safety-alligators
Dawn,
Every human fatality from alligators is a tragic reminder of how fragile human life is and the importance of striving for comprehensive public awareness about alligators. I appreciate all of your comments and truly value the unique perspective that you offer them from. As I imagine you appreciate, state and federal agencies are unfortunately limited, sometimes severely, both in staff and budgets; however, education about alligators has to be recognized as a priority, and I can assure you it is by our agency.
I can't speak for the U.S. Forest Service in terms of how they are managing their area in response to Annmarie's death, but we are ready to assist them with educational materials, technical advice, and targeted harvests of alligators as warranted. While we have been making public safety brochures and kiosk signage available and issuing strategic news releases about safely coexisting with alligators for years, I believe we can do more to educate the public about alligators. In that regard, I am excited about efforts underway to launch a Public Service Announcement about safely coexisting with alligators that will air for a period of time this spring. But, we need to go beyond this and find new and bold ways to get the message out and educate the public. Another idea we're working on is something like a "junior alligator biologist" online program (sort of modeled after the National Park Service's Junior Ranger program) to help educate young children about alligators and being safe. Sometimes, these ideas take longer to develop and implement than we'd like, and that is frustrating. But, I just want to let you know that we are trying our best.
Thank you again for providing us with your well-said input. It will become part of the official record regarding our Alligator Management Program review endeavor.
Best Regards,
Harry.
__________________________________
Harry J. Dutton, Coordinator
Alligator Management Program
Division of Hunting and Game Management
FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
620 S. Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
(850) 410-0656 ext. 17279
(850) 921-7793 FAX
Nextel: (850) 528-0653
Direct Connect: 195*124*18317
Visit http://myFWC.com/alligator for all your Florida alligator management information needs.
“Managing and conserving game wildlife for the future while fostering safe and responsible hunting.”
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From: Dawn Marie Yankeelov [mailto:dawny@aspectx.com]
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 12:29 PM
To: Dutton, Harry
Subject: Regarding public safety-alligators
Importance: High
Harry, With the death of my precious daughter, Annmarie Campbell, age 23, at the Sweetwater Cabin in the Ocala National Forest by an alligator shy of 12 feet, comes the responsibility to weigh in on the regulation of alligators in the state.
I was a Florida (Ocala) resident for a period of 10 years, and do believe that the combination of human needs, land development, and an unchecked alligator population has begun to encroach on public safety. Overall, there should be more awareness for guests visiting the state, in light of more international travel, and generations of young Americans traveling now, who may not know the dangers. Billboards glamorize the alligator population in the state. And, adults of all ages, as well as children, need to hear the risks stated each time they enter an area where alligators are prevalent, and, particularly when the availability of assistance in an emergency, is limited. The list of all injuries reported by alligators each month throughout the state should be made public and posted on the web, with the locations of the attacks. This awareness and public safety through solid public affairs communications should be heightened during alligator mating seasons and years where drought causes more activity in the alligator population. It is my understanding from your team that signage was not in the vicinity at the time of her death. I was told that what signage there was in the region, regarding “no swimming” in the water downstream, was to “protect vegetation,” according to representatives of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Ocala National Forest. Surely we value human life more than tourism and vegetation. I know that I do. Clearly my daughter’s death is only one example of the need for the following:
--additional trail and water signage in state parks and wilderness areas,
--signage of no swimming and associated risks, and special consideration of signage in wilderness areas.
I understand that some action to add additional signage regarding alligator risks at Sweetwater Cabin has taken place. My daughter’s date of death and age were to be placed on signage as a deterrent. I do not believe this has occurred, and it is still an important step in warning the public of risks. However, this is one area in Florida only. Perhaps forms that require a signature for each visitor into the wilderness areas, stating the risks associated with alligators in the vicinity should be mandatory. And, a copy should be given to each guest entering the wilderness area, describing the risk for renting a cabin in the area, regarding alligators and what to do. As you may know, I have been an advocate for 911 service needed to reach Florida guests and residents in the wilderness areas, particularly where people pay to be at these cabins. I have provided the contacts to Denise Rains at the Ocala Forest Service at Verizon and other telecommunications professionals who may be in a position to assist on the government side in this process.
I also believe that the FWC could relax hunting restrictions, allow landowners to manage alligators on their land and make it easier for homeowners to get rid of nuisance gators. And, in commercial settings gators can also be found to be a threat to public safety--you do not have to go to many networking business meetings in Louisville, Ky., to hear about alligator bites on Florida golf courses where there are bodies of water, for example. I believe that alligators are now more of a game species, but I am not familiar enough with the rules, regulations and past legislation on the books to know what is available to better aid population control and public safety regarding alligators. Clearly, it is time to take action to protect the public through enhanced communications, trapping, hunting, and regulations. This should be a part of Annmarie’s legacy to the state of Florida. Best wishes for a safe and healthy future for all Florida residents and guests, Dawn
Dawn Marie Yankeelov
ASPectx
7003 Harrods Landing Dr.
Prospect, KY 40059
502-292-2351
FAX: 502-292-2362
www.aspectx.com |
