Fwd: [front-range-issues] Cherry Hills Community Church - Killing Prairie Dogs

[Guest guest]

Dear prairie dog supporters:

 

 

Please call or email the Cherry Hills Church in Highlands Ranch (http://www.chcc.org/contact.aspx)

where prairie dogs are being killed. Those who are responsible for killing the prairie dogs need to be informed of the importance of prairie dogs, and have the myths debunked - especially the myth that prairie dogs are dangerous and spread the plague. A concerned PDC member called to tell us about this situation - she has already called and spoken with the finance director at the church, Chris Robinson, and he told her that they were killing prairie dogs "for the safety of children and students..." His email is quoted below.

Please use our talking points (attached) to explain to these church executives why it is shameful and unnecessary to kill prairie dogs, and explain the inherent value of prairie dogs to the ecosystem.

 

Please focus on the prairie dog population decrease, the fact that they are a keystone species and the myths about the plague.

 

It seems that they should be reminded of the importance of teaching compassion and tolerance, and the interconnectedness of life to children and the congregation. I think it may also help to mention the spiritual value of all living things, the importance of humans living in harmony with nature, and that humans should take the responsibility of protecting, not hurting animals.

 

Please call and/or go to the website to send an email using the "contact us" page (they do not provide the emails on the website)

Dr. Jim Dixon, Senior Pastor, Judy Fields, Assistant: 303.325.8902

Dutch Franz, Executive Pastor: 303.325.8210

Gene Kissinger, Pastor, Missions & Outreach: 303.325.8220

Nathan Johnson, Director, Worship Experience Team: 303.325.8352

Dr. Ramona Spilman, Pastor, Adult Classes, Women, Singles: 303.325.8219

Greg Johnson, Director, Campus Operations: 303.325.8149

 

Dick Schultz, Pastor, Worship & Media, Event Rentals: 303.325.8212

Chris Robinson, Director of Finance & Human Resources: 303.325.8211

 

 

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I hope that receiving calls from people who are informed scientifically will help dissuade these church leaders from further

unnecessary killing.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support of prairie dogs!

 

Best,

Alison

--------------------------

Alison M. Collins

Interim Director

The Prairie Dog Coalition

director

http://prairiedogcoalition.org/

2525 Arapahoe Ave. #E4-527

Boulder, CO 80302

720.938.0788 work cell

 

Email quote from Chris Robinson:

 

"Thank you for your message and expression of concern. I have received many calls about this issue and cannot respond to each one.

 

At this

time, the safe removal of the prairie dogs from our property is nearly

complete. Our senior management and board directed the removal of the

prairie dogs for a number of reasons. The safety of the children and

students in our school and church programs was one of them but not the

only one. Neighboring property owners have asked that we take steps to

remove the prairie dogs as well.

 

We are following procedures recommended by Douglas County and the Colorado Department of Wildlife in accordance with local laws and regulations.

 

Our leadership team is aware of the concerns you and others have shared."

 

 

 

 

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FactSheets.pdf