Hello,

Just wondering if anyone knows of how you would go about searching the US Forest Service records for BF info.

Yep, I heard the conspiracy theories about the USFS/timber industry/endagered species stuff, but every forrest service person I have ever met I wouldn't think that they would participate in such a sham.

I remember reading something about BF being included in some naturalist surveys ( I think in the US Army Core of Engineeres info), but its been forgotten by me.

Thanks for the help.

No idea how, but heck of an idea! Hope someone has some advise.

Nope, I got no idea either, but welcome QS!

Welcome, QS!

I'm not sure either, but if it were me... I might call a regional office (probably listed on the internet) and ask to speak with a wildlife biologist... no one else...

Thanks for the welcome.

I don't think I will be calling any Forest Service offices (I'm sure they are just as bureaucratic as other government offices), but it would be interesting to try and talk to some of the surveyers and biologists (wish they had a convention to crash, maby they do). Anyhow if I hear/find anything interesting I'll let you know.

PS: I've been reading through this site for a week. Great stuff. Kind of thrown off by all the southern info (was not expecting that, or much of anything outside the great NW). Got a good laugh out of the "down on the farm", and I'll try to contribute anything I find that relevent. Cheers.

You and me both! I never thought I'd see this many southerners when I started the place! I'm not sure if there's more activity on the south or, for some reason, if the southerners are more involved in the internet. I'm leaning towards the latter rather than the former at this point, but it's just a hunch...

Welcome to the BFF, QS!

I don't know about the USFS deal either but one group of folks that might be worth talking to about the subject would be timber cruisers. These guys are out in the woods on a regular basis so there's the potential for them having a better than average chance of seeing something or speaking to someone who has.

One fella' I know who used to cruise timber in south Alabama was telling me recently about a guy in the boonies telling him about the fact that he didn't want to be out in them woods after dark because there was one'a them "squatchmoes" running around out there. Said that thing had already stolen a few of his turkeys that he kept in a pen in back of his house. Of course, he also told him about a 21' diamondback rattler that he'd killed a year or so back so I don't know how much stock could be put into that guys word.

...he wasn't talking about Louis Armstrong was he?... if so, we should grab our trumpets and get out there Fish...

I hear what you're saying about the pass-the-buck mentality of the government, QS... but, you just never know who you'll get ahold of with a phone call, and what they may say... they may give up something... however small... many pieces to a puzzle there are...

...nothing ventured, well, you know...

It's very simple quietsteps, just file a freedom of information act with any government agency that you require additional or extensive information from. As required by law they must give it to you. Now whether or not the info is correct, you must decide. But I encourage you to go forth and continue your quest regardless of what you may encounter in dealing with the beauracracy.

You could always just go in and ask,worst case scenario : They laugh at you.

Hey QS Wha's Happening? Great to have you on board.
I guess I would just spend some time getting to know some of the staff. Add ons, volunteers, get to know the personalities. THEN go for the meat. You might have to work hard to pick up a lead but make friends seems the best way I would say. people get excited about motives, "agendas" believe it or not sometimes we just want to learn more... its an exciting world out there an hey, its hard to beat what we are all talking about. Have fun, it will be noticed
and no matter the outcome, you will still win.

...so, you're saying to take them out and get them drunk?

...now that's not a bad idea, SR....

hahahahaha sure, another method via beer thread

I think oldtimer had a good idea, you should try to use the freedom of information act to get information on this. It is the law that you are entitled to it. It is a process that takes time however..., and I have heard that at least one time when someone did this for information on bigfoot, that the information was supposedly "misplaced" and therefore could not be obtained. (hearsay however)

Thanks for all the feedback.

I have located a Gov. PDF file that simpyl explains the Freedom of Information Act process.

Thought I would pass along the link if anybody else is interested.

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic%5Ftext/fed%5...g/foia/foia.pdf

So, it looks like I will get my request letter out this weekend with any luck, and I'll keep you posted if I get any info.

For now I'm planning on a fairly narrow search of records of just the Willamette National Forest, Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests, Hood River area, and St. Helens area. Just to keep it simple and so I don't have such a broad search of records that it takes forever.

Cool! Keep us updated!

Yeah! And be patient too... but it sounds like a good technique. Good luck with it.