LymeNet Flash: Where/how to get "tick-infested area" warning signs to put up?

This is topic Where/how to get "tick-infested area" warning signs to put up? in forum Activism at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by Dawn in VA (Member # 9693) on :

I already know that my local health dept will not help out on this. Neither will USDA or the local Game and Fish Dept. Anyone have any ideas on whom to contact within a locality?

I do have some spare wood and paint if nothing else. [Cool]

Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :

Dawn...

I know the BLAST program in CT and the local support groups do a lot of public education. I found a sign that a local health department put up (possibly funded by a grant)... to give you sign ideas in case you need to paint your own.

http://www.hvceo.org/lymemain.php

It may be a dead end.. due to so many budget cuts... but you might want to try your local county parks and recreation division. Maybe even ask for a spot speaking at the county public meetings in front of commissioners?

Tell them about Lyme disease and ask for $$ for signs.

Then there are state parks and federal parks... plentiful in Virginia.

BUT.. again the budgets for most parks and wildlife areas have been slashed badly... so I'm afraid you'll not be too successful. And the red tape involved will strangle you more often than not.

Then there is a question of allowing signs to be posted on public/private lands... and laws designed to keep signs out of natural areas.

May I suggest?

Parks normally have a kiosk at trail heads and visitor centers. Maybe contact some that are nearby and ask for the program person (not the boss). Usually they take care of kiosks and are more receptive to ideas. Plus, if you can get the program people to like the idea... they will have more pull over the boss than you would going in cold.

Ask if you can give them signs (paper or cardboard even) that they would display in their kiosks to help visitors have a safer visit. "Safe" is a good word to use.

I would avoid the word "warning" etc. Parks don't want to freak out people or lessen their visitation ... so go softly on your approach.

Sorry I don't know any better ideas right now.

Good luck though!!!

[Big Grin]

Posted by Dawn in VA (Member # 9693) on :

Thanks TC. I've already tried the Parks and Rec dept but had not thought about approaching the county/city commissioners about this. Good idea!

I think it'll resort to me being an artist over the weekend and hoping that the signs won't be immediately taken down by the forces that be.