well, thought you may be interested in part 2 of "THE SIERRA CLUB" ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 31 May 95 17:21:31 From:[log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask] Cc: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask] Subject: Ferrets In the last few days a number of email and postal messages have been forwarded to me that communicated people's concern about various policies and actions regarding ferrets. Some of the mail I have received was in response to my presumption that ferrets had never truly been domesticated. I thank Dr. Michael Camann for his letter which explained some of the history and status of Mustela putorious furo, the domestic ferret. I am sending this message (to the people for whom I have been able to get email addresses off the messages) with a couple purposes in mind. One is to let you know that your messages are being heard. Very importantly, another reason is to acknowledge that there are ferrets that are considered domestic animals and in acknowledging my ignorance, to prevent further discord with ferret researchers, owners, and others who are interested in this animal and to move our energies on to working on the policy and action questions. For those who have asked, I would like to assist in getting people connected to those in the Sierra Club who are dealing with ferret issues. I am piecing together information about what prompted the messages about ferrets, and thus would appreciate it if the Sierra Club California field office(s) could forward to me, if such exists, a Sierra California policy opposed to legalizing the ownership of ferrets as pets. Also, would Dr. Joyce Miller please forward what appears to be an article about the June 1 release of black footed ferrets. Thank you for offering your help Joyce. As I stated in my reply to Paul Ziady, I do not know the background for why, or even if, the Sierra Club has adopted a policy opposed to legalizing ferret ownership in the state of California, and I have not received word back from my contacts there. (Paul were you able to reach Ken at the number I passed on to you?) I'm also looking forward to receiving input from the member of Sierra's Endangered Species Committee who lives in the vicinity of the b-f ferret range. For your information, generally Sierra Club Chapters do not have to check in with national about policies that affect only their state. However, clearly this matter has had an impact around the US. The question of ferrets as pets has not come up for the Sierra Club at a national level for at least the past 7 years as well as I can remember. As I wrote in my reply to Paul, and reiterate here - "I will be interested to learn about what's happening in California [and with ferrets in general] so please keep me copied on further messages." Rather than sending your messages to Melanie Griffin who is forwarding them to me, you can contact me directly through Internet on the Sierra Club's ccmail. My address is [log in to unmask] I must admit to some trepidation about the volume (and tone) of messages! My reply to Paul which tried to convey that I was not familiar with the situation, apparently was broadcast to quite a large audience. Please check with me and and let us share our knowledge prior to forwarding future messages if you believe a message is factually inaccurate. Interpretations and recommendations regarding the facts may differ among us all, but I regret transferring incorrect information. Thanks. Laurie Macdonald Wildlife Zoologist Chair, Sierra Club Endangered Species Act/Habitat Campaign 103 Wildwood Lane St Petersburg, FL 33705 (813) 821-9585 (Phone and Fax) P.S. Will any of you be at the Society for Conservation Biology meetings in Colorado in June? [Posted in FML issue 1213]