Paul:
Well, we are still getting booted off of state grounds as of April 28th.
Don't think for a moment we are rolling over. Several things are possible.
1. It has been rumored that the state is contacting USFW to find the purcahse price of buying the land back from the feds so they have control over it.
How true this, I'm not sure. We think this is a smoke screen from the ODNR.
2. Members of the OABDC (Ohio Associated Bird Dog Clubs) are thinking of filing suit against the state. I'm not sure on what grounds yet, but they do have a legal leg to stand on - it just may be expensive.
3. We are asking everyone to e-mail state reps and the governor and ask why the state is take the action to shut down the grounds when there is a 1billion budget shortfall. The grounds have a significant economic impact on the state and local cottage industries via lodging, fuel, food, vet bills, horse rental, birds, etc. Why is the state turning away dollars when there is a huge defecit????
So, as you can see there are still irons in the fire....but no definite progress. It's still touchy at best.
As far as field trialing goes in Ohio it will have to be (as of 4/28) on private grounds or outside of the state.
I wish I had better news, but I don't. So, keep writing and bugging folks in charge and let them know we are a vocal little group......
