Sorry to be such a nag about this, but obviously we've struck a nerve.
And if Sen. John McCain and President Barack Obama can discuss the cost of helicopters - specifically Marine One - while the fate of the economic world hangs in the balance, so can we.
Besides, this is about us.
As state lawmakers continue to craft next year's budget, outdoors groups around the state are crafting their appeals to save the Natural Resources Police aviation unit.
Seven outdoors organizations have sent an appeal to the governor to save the two helicopters, two pilots and one mechanic. Coastal Conservation Association Maryland is using its Web site to let members send e-mails to lawmakers. And the Wildlife Advisory Commission - a nine-member panel appointed by the governor - has issued a separate plea.
"This campaign has been like nothing I have ever seen," says Jeff Plummer, president of the Maryland Waterfowler's Association and member of the governor's advisory commission.
The letter calls the decision to eliminate the aviation unit "penny-wise and pound-foolish."
"We have agreed to increased costs to hunt and fish, to register our boats, and to hunt in state parks," the letter says. "We have endured a closure on rockfish, and a Canada goose moratorium to ensure the species could recover. Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours, and raised millions of dollars to protect the wild space of Maryland. We view this not as a chore but our responsibility as stewards of the land and waters of Maryland."
It notes the decreasing number of NRP resources and the rising level of crime, and concludes, "We ask that you reconsider eliminating the NRP helicopter from the budget and follow through on the commitments we so often hear during your campaigns and time in office about protecting and preserving the wild things that make Maryland so special."
In addition to Plummer, the letter is signed by Wendy Donahoo, president of the Maryland Sportsmen's Association; Dave Smith, associate executive director of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association; Tyler Johnson, head of the Maryland Outfitters and Guides Association; Ron Leggett, president of the Maryland Fur Trappers Inc.; Lou Compton, president of the Maryland Bowhunters Society; and George Wooden, chairman of the Upper Chesapeake Chapter of Delta Waterfowl.
