Declarations

Uh Oh, Yogi

“The new maps show how Yellowstone has had a relative increase in the hazard.”

—University of Utah geophysicist Bob Smith said a U.S. Geological Survey report indicates a slightly greater earthquake hazard in Greater Yellowstone than previously thought.

Plan Destroyed

“I was told no hunting along the river. The deer scattered, and they were not in the rec area. The oil spill destroyed our basic plan.”

—Charles Blakeman Jr. of Bellevue, Mich., and his partner in Extreme Adventures are suing Canadian oil company Enbridge over a spill that dumped 800,000 gallons of crude into Talmadge Creek. They say the spill prevented them from guiding deer hunts in Fort Custer Recreation Area and want Enbridge to pay the thousands of dollars they lost.

Animal-Vehicle Accidents

“VDOT is seeking innovative ways to meet the needs of motorists, increase safety and … protect wildlife.”

—Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick on his agency’s effort to make roads safer for wildlife and motorists. VDOT is conducting a three-year study on animal travel patterns that is set to be completed in 2015. Officials say the study is a step forward in understanding how, when and where animals are crossing roads and how to adapt accordingly.

Preventative Measures

“While the declining number of auto thefts is encouraging, it certainly does not mean we can become lax when it comes to taking preventative measures.”

—Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon comments on data showing the number of auto thefts in Louisiana dropped from 9,113 vehicles stolen in 2011 to 7,881 vehicles stolen in 2012, a decrease of 13.5 percent.

Worth It

“It was different. Never been in a situation where I had to pay to get on the street and then pay to get in a bar, but it was all right. It was worth it.”

—Richard Carnell Allen II, an out-of-town visitor to Memphis’ Beale Street, on the cover charge he had to pay to get past a security checkpoint and onto the street famed for its nightclubs. Beale Street merchants recently started charging visitors to help pay for 23 extra security officers.