Mo. lawmaker suggests state be held responsible for “elk-related” damage
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri lawmaker wants the state to be liable for damage caused to crops or cars by wild elk.
Republican Rep. Casey Guernsey is a farmer from northwest Missouri — far away from where the Department of Conservation plans to reintroduce elk in rural southern Missouri.
But Guernsey raised concerns during a legislative budget hearing Monday that elk could stray — eating corn, soybeans and alfalfa and potentially getting hit by vehicles.
He asked whether the Conservation Department would be willing to reimburse people for damage.
Department Deputy Director Tim Ripperger says the agency historically has opposed efforts to hold it liable for damage caused by wildlife.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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STU KATZ
November 30, 2010 7:34 am
What a self serving anus. Republican Rep. Casey Guernsey is the poster boy of why so many elected representatives were thrown out on their asses earlier this month. Don’t protect the taxpayers, protect my special interest.
What next, if deer eat the plants does he get paid?
Farmers get crop price supports, farmers get direct payments not to grow specific crops. Uncle Sugar pays farmers 80-100% to take responsible care of the land they own and prevent erosion.
There is not another industry that gets a higher percentage of their income guaranteed by the taxpayers.
You are farmers, farming is a risky business. Grow up and accept the responsibility that is part of your industry.
Why aren’t there certain species roaming around the country any longer? Simple, idiots like Republican Rep. Casey Guernsey have hunted them to extinction, and if the original balance of nature is to be maintained then the species need to be reintroduced.
The Ridley’s Praire Chicken, sound like an inane little birdy some tree hugger wants to protect? Nope, they have had their habitat destroyed by row crop farmers. Now those same farmers spray pesticides to destroy the bugs and insects that this native bird used to control for free without poisoning my environment.
Seen a buffalo roaming around St. Charles county? No? That is because they have been destroyed and removed from their habitat, a habitat that they had for centuries before rectal orifices like Republican Rep. Casey Guernsey, were around.
Don’t like big mammals, then don’t farm! Don’t ask me to assume the risks of your business and force me to pay for your self interests.
jeffcitystinks
November 30, 2010 12:12 pm
think about it, a whitetail buck will weigh 265 lbs. a mature bull elk will weigh 1,100 lbs. can you even imagine hitting one in a car. the department of conservation is putting peoples lives at risk here and that is the issue. casey guernsey is a great representative and has done a wonderful job in his district and continues to receive OVERWHELMING support in his district. stu you are a leaf licking moron. missouri’s balance of nature has been just fine without elk. PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANIMAL’S.