We all know how our government likes to overreach its authority.
Well, there is a viral story going around now that is yet more proof of this.
Ironically, the very thing the EPA says it wants to protect is what led to a huge embarrassment for the agency.
Take It Down
The EPA had sent a man named Ryan DeVries a letter to take down two dams that were built without the proper permitting.
In part, the letter stated, “Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond.
“A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity.
“A review of the Department’s files show that no permits have been issued.”
The letter went on to demand that he take the dams down by the deadline or risk the wrath of the government dropping the hammer on him.
DeVries, as it turns out, was not actually the legal landowner.
That title belonged to Mr. Stephen L. Tvedten.
He responded, in part, “First of all, Mr. Ryan DeVries is not the legal landowner and/or contractor at 2088 Dagget, Pierson, Michigan — I am the legal owner and a couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood ‘debris’ dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond.
“While I did not pay for, nor authorize, their dam project, I think they would be highly offended you call their skillful use of natural building materials ‘debris.’
“I would like to challenge you to attempt to emulate their dam project any dam time and/or any dam place you choose.
“I believe I can safely state there is no dam way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.
“As to your dam request the beavers first must fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity, my first dam question to you is: are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers or do you require all dam beavers throughout this State to conform to said dam request?
“If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, please send me completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits.”
I would say that is a very creative way of telling the government to go pound sand.
Source: Right Wing Newshour
