CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE 2007 INTERNAL MEMO

In 2007, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a stern rebuttal regarding the Conservancy's bid to secure a depredation permit. This response, written by a CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist following an on-site evaluation of Catalina Island post-fire, stands out for its methodical critique of the Conservancy's assertions regarding the deer population's impact on the region.

In the document, detailed counterarguments are presented against the claims made by the Conservancy regarding the impact of deer in the region post-fire. The Senior Environmental Scientist showcases objectivity by precisely refuting these assertions with specific evidence and sound reasoning.

Moreover, the response does not shy away from highlighting the effects of bison on the island ecosystem. By clearly articulating the detrimental influence of bison alongside the detailed dismissal of the Conservancy's scapegoating of deer, the CDFW underlines a comprehensive understanding of the ecological dynamics at play.

Overall, the document conveys a strong sense of exasperation towards the Conservancy for its attempts to attribute the island's challenges solely to the deer population. The CDFW's response serves as a testament to the importance of evidence-based assessments and a nuanced comprehension of the complexities involved in conservation efforts on Catalina Island.