Asian Giant Hornets

Dear Jason Koebler,

Thank you for your interest in public records of Washington Department of Agriculture.  Your request has been received and is being processed.  Your request was received in this office on February 02, 2022 and given the reference number R002668-020222 for tracking purposes. Record Desired:  To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

Widespread news reports and agency releases show that there has been the spread and distribution of "Asian Giant Hornets" / "Murder Hornets" in the last year. Earlier this year, a joint press conference was held about eradication efforts: https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=32279

Therefore, I request the following information:

- Any lab reports, internal communications, analyses, warnings, or other guidances about the Asian Giant Hornets.
- Any case reports about Asian Giant Hornet sightings or suspected sightings
- Any sightings / emails / audio recordings / photos / videos from the public about Asian Giant Hornets sent through "agr.wa.gov/hornets, via email at hornets@agr.wa.gov, or by calling 1-800-443-6684"
- Any forensic analysis or communication with law enforcement (state, local, or national) about Asian Giant Hornets.
- Any presentations or other documents prepared about Asian Giant Hornets
- Any photos or video related to Asian Giant Hornets

Please search from May 1, 2020 until the day this request is processed.

I previously filed this FOIA and was sent a fee structure but it never came through, therefore I am re-requesting it to get the process started again.

This request is being made for use on Motherboard, VICE Media's science and technology website. It is not for commercial purposes.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Jason Koebler

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/ Date From: Date To: Report Number:
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Washington State Department of Agriculture

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RE: WSDA Public Records Request of February 02, 2022, Reference # R002668-020222
Dear Jason Koebler,
The Washington State Department of Agriculture received a public records request from you on February 02, 2022. Your request mentioned:
“To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

Widespread news reports and agency releases show that there has been the spread and distribution of "Asian Giant Hornets" / "Murder Hornets" in the last year. Earlier this year, a joint press conference was held about eradication efforts: https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=32279

Therefore, I request the following information:

- Any lab reports, internal communications, analyses, warnings, or other guidances about the Asian Giant Hornets.
- Any case reports about Asian Giant Hornet sightings or suspected sightings
- Any sightings / emails / audio recordings / photos / videos from the public about Asian Giant Hornets sent through "agr.wa.gov/hornets, via email at hornets@agr.wa.gov, or by calling 1-800-443-6684"
- Any forensic analysis or communication with law enforcement (state, local, or national) about Asian Giant Hornets.
- Any presentations or other documents prepared about Asian Giant Hornets
- Any photos or video related to Asian Giant Hornets

Please search from May 1, 2020 until the day this request is processed.

I previously filed this FOIA and was sent a fee structure but it never came through, therefore I am re-requesting it to get the process started again.

This request is being made for use on Motherboard, VICE Media's science and technology website. It is not for commercial purposes.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Jason Koebler

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
WAC 16-06-200, states that the department may charge for the costs of reproducing records.  You can log into the Public Records Center to view your invoice which details the reproduction costs of the records you requested. Please note that we did respond, with an invoice detailing copying costs, in response to your prior request.  You failed to respond with payment, as requested, so we closed your request for which we also sent communication.  We copied the prior communications and the invoice sent, to your current request.  There will be a significant amount of additional records given the additional time between your prior request and this newest one so the copying charges will increase.  However, because you abandoned the prior request, we will require a down payment to begin our search efforts for this request.
Please send a check payable to the Washington Department of Agriculture, to the address on the invoice. Please include a copy of the invoice with your check. Failure to do so will delay delivery of the records.
I will send you the records you requested, once we receive full payment. If payment is not received by 3/4/2022, I will assume you no longer wish to receive these records and will close your request.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 360-902-1935.

Sincerely,
Pamela Potwin
Public Records Officer
360-902-1935

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RE: WSDA Public Records Request of February 02, 2022, Reference # R002668-020222
Dear Jason Koebler,