MAKING
TELEPHONE CALLS TO POLICY-MAKERS
Making telephone calls is a quick and effective way to let policy-makers know you are concerned about the plight of prairie dogs and want action. Remember, you don't have to be an expert and know everything about prairie dogs to call. Your opinion is worthwhile, and your call will be noted as another concerned person on behalf of prairie dogs. Policy-makers keep track of this information!
If you can't speak directly to the person you are calling, ask to speak to someone on his/her staff. Be polite but firm about your concerns. Don't let the person discount your information, tell you it's unwarranted, or pass the responsibility to another person or agency. Let the person know that each agency has a responsibility to protect prairie dogs, and you are concerned about what the specific person or agency you are calling is doing or not doing.
When you make a telephone call to an official or agency about prairie dogs, include the following points:
• Prairie dogs are a threatened species and need to be protected. Poisoning, shooting, and other means of destruction need to be stopped NOW.
• Protection for prairie dogs is vitally important because of their role as a keystone species; saving prairie dogs also means saving countless other species that depend on them.
• Land needs to be set aside for prairie dogs that have been displaced. Cities, counties, and developers need to take responsibility for this.
Thank you for your willingness to make a difference for these animals!