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July 29, 2002
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to acknowledge
the superior services of Ms. Lynda Watson & Associates,
Lubbock, Texas, in the successful relocation (Feb. 2000)
of the entire Black-tailed prairie dog colony from the
Bill Hornick Ranch (Fort Worth, Texas) to the Dallas
Nature Center property adjoing the eastern perimeter
of the Joe Poole Lake State Park at Cedar Hill, Texas.
This was a very challenging, time-sensitive enterprise.
Our selection criteria
emphasized professional capability, plus demonstrated
historical success, together with a technical methodology
exhibiting the highest achievable humane treatment.
From multiple applicants, this group, alone, fulfilled
all of our requirements. Their performance on-site rewarded
our judgement; they met and/or exceeded our requirements
in all categories.
Especially noteworthy
was the fact that no other contractor had ever, previously,
been so successful in the humane capture of the larger
males as was Ms. Watson's group.
Simply put, these people
are, in our opinion, experts in this type of endeavor...
and the best we have ever utilized.
Additionally, the Harborne
Foundation is currently evaluating mutliple candidate
sites suitable for large (1000+ individuals) prairie
dog relocation projects. From among these (all located
in Northern or Western Texas), we intend to select four
for project execution.
The Eric Harbome Research
Foundation is a private, NGO, endowed charitable foundation
dedicated to preserving and restoring biologically consequential
ecosystems. Among these, we consider the Black-tailed
Prairie Dog as a principal component in the short-grass
prairie systems of the Western and Southwestern U.S.
One such project is being
initiated at the old Maddin Ranch property near Colorado
City, Texas. This property, deeded to the Native Prairie
Association of North Texas (a non-profit organization),
is being developed as a native plant and animal sanctuary.
The Harbome Research Foundation has volunteered to attempt
a restoration program for the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
on this property.
The funding and execution
of this effort will be performed immediately. Our ongoing
research has confirmed, to our professional satisfaction,
the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog to be a KEYSTONE species,
representing a life-form which is especially important
to the well-being and biological success of many other
species. Additionally, we have determined the Maddin
Ranch property to be nearly ideal as a restoration locale.
The Principal Patron
of the Foundation is Eric G. Harborne of Fort Worth,
Texas and the minor patron and Chief Executive Officer
is Brooks Bradley of Alvarado, Texas. We are a legally
incorporated Charitable Foundation, which does not solicit
or accept outside contributions.
Sincerely,
Brooks Bradley
CEO
The Eric Harborne Research Foundation
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