February 7, 2006
To: Kansas House of Representatives
Agricultural Committee Members
I am writing to support a repeal of K.S.A. 80-1201-08.
There are two reasons to repeal K.S.A. 80-1201-08 dealing
with the mandatory eradication of the Black Tailed Prairie Dog.
First, Black Tailed Prairie Dogs are a native, keystone species
of the western Kansas landscape. The Prairie Dog is the primary
food source for several endangered or threatened species including
the Swift Fox, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle and Black Footed
Ferret. Other species require Prairie Dog towns for their nesting
sites such as Mountain Plover and Burrowing Owl. The fact is,
without the Prairie Dog, numerous native species would vanish.
As you know, the Black Footed Ferret has been expatriated in Kansas
because of habitat loss and eradication of their only food source,
the Prairie Dog. Without the Prairie Dog, the natural cycle of
the prairie will be further diminished and be another step closer
to a totally dysfunctional ecosystem.
The second reason these statutes should be repealed is less
of a conservation matter and more of a practical matter. This
is a property rights issue. It is clear that several groups and
many individuals, for whatever reason, do not want Black Tailed
Prairie Dogs to exist in any number. However, other groups and
individuals do. It is my fervent belief that those that do not
want this species on their property should have every right to
deal with them in a safe and effective manner on their own land.
However, there is no circumstance under which some people should
be able to direct others how to manage their land as it pertains
to allowing a native species to be present. On this matter, there
is the issue of fairness to consider. Both opponents and supporters
of the Prairie Dog have their reasons, but neither opponent nor
supporter should be able to manage the other's land.
The greater good for Kansas will be served by repeal of this
outdated statute.
Sincerely, Dan Pace
Hutchinson , Kansas
