I am writing to protest the voiding of the estray horse management agreement between the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association. The VRWPA has been a hallmark steward of wildlife, and particularly the estray horses, of Storey County. The relationship between VRWPA and the Dept. of Agriculture was a fine example of government / volunteer cooperation. In this day and age the State would be wise to develop more cost saving and effective public - private partnerships, not cancel them.

Many of us have reason to believe that the voiding of this agreement was politically motivated. Our response will be to defer our vacation plans in Nevada until this matter is more suitably resolved. As a California resident, it's probably time for me to explore our new Indian gaming establishments and keep my money in California.

I sincerely hope that you will do the right thing and encourage your subordinates in the Dept. of Agriculture to renegotiate an agreement with VRWPA and return experienced volunteers to the front lines of wildlife management in Storey County.

Sincerely,