by Susan Studer, July 26, 1999

For anyone that does not know, the next two weeks are a CRITICAL time period for the proposed Darby Plains National Wildlife Refuge.

Governor Bob Taft will be making his decision on whether or not to support the Darby Plains National Wildlife Refuge proposal. Unfortunately, though, according to Senator Mike DeWine's office, the number of individual letters that he has received thus far on the issue GREATLY favors the opposition. In that light, then, please find the below sample letter and addresses for you (and hopefully your membership) to send to Governor Taft, and copies to Senator DeWine, and Congresspersons Pryce and Hobson. Thank you.

Some points to consider including in a letter to the Governor:

Clearly state support for creation of Darby Plains National Wildlife Refuge.

A Refuge is the BEST way to guarantee that Darby Creek will be protected for subsequent generations to experience it.

Ohio needs more public land for education, recreation, hunting and fishing. Ohio ranks 47th of 50 states in per capita public land. Ohio is not getting its fair share of Federal funds for wildlife resources. We send a lot of taxes to Washington and have only one National Wildlife Refuge to show for it currently.

Little Darby Creek is a key habitat for many state endangered species (mussels, fish, plants). We have an obligation to protect these fellow inhabitants of Central Ohio. A Wildlife Refuge will have this as a key priority.

Dear Governor Taft:

Please receive this letter of support for the creation of the Darby Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. This is a rare opportunity for Ohio to preserve a delicate landscape for current and future generations to enjoy. The proposal set forth by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service ensures that both critical natural habitat in the Darby Creek watershed would be preserved into perpetuity, and that local farmers would not be wrongfully displaced. This is a positive balance that should receive your consideration and support.

The Darby watershed remains environmentally sound due to the efforts of many partner organization and the stewardship of many of the farmers in the agricultural community. But, it is clear that the pressure for development in the area will become a major threat to the watershed's sustainability. Madison, Union and Champaign Counties have all experienced extraordinary growth rates the past three decades_and these growth rates continue to accelerate. While the State's population grew at an average rate of 3.3% between 1990 and 1998, Madison's growth rate stood at 12.2%, Union at 23.5%, and Champaign at 6% (Ohio Department of Development). Local zoning programs are often hard pressed to ward off development pressure as it threatens rural character and farmland. Therefore, a refuge is the BEST way to guarantee that Darby Creek will be protected for generations to come.

As a highly populated state, Ohio sends a large amount of tax revenue to the Federal government on a yearly basis. However, the state receives very little in return with which to protect or enhance its wildlife resources. In fact, the amount of Federal environmental compensation that Ohioans receive for their tax dollars is an embarrassment, as we rank 47th out of the 50 states in per capita public land and only have one National Wildlife Refuge to show for all of our tax money. Obviously, we do not get our fair share of Federal funds in this regard.

The proposed Darby Wildlife Refuge will help to even this unbalance, and ease the need for more public land for education, recreation, hunting and fishing.

Finally, the Little Darby Creek is a key habitat for many state endangered species (mussels, fish and plants). We have an obligation to protect these fellow inhabitants of Central Ohio. A Wildlife Refuge will have this as a key priority, yet will maintain the integrity of the surrounding agricultural community. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter now facing the State, and your continued support for the everlasting protection of our natural resources.

Sincerely,

[your name]

CC:	U.S. Senator Mike DeWine U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Pryce U.S. Congressman David Hobson

The Honorable Bob Taft
Governor
State of Ohio
77 S. High Street, 30th Floor
Columbus, OH 43266-0601
Other Contact Information for your files: Governor's Office Line - 614-466-3555, Fax: 614-466-9354

Senator Mike DeWine
U.S. Senate
SR-140 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-3503

The Honorable David Hobson
U.S. Congressman
1514 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Deborah Pryce
U.S. Congresswoman
221 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

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