September 5th, 2025 I appealed the DNR's rejection of the memorial proposal---highlighting their mischaracterization of it as a "private" memorial (which was/is the grounds for their rejection) as well as their recent partnership with Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County to install public benches at Portage Marsh. 

October 7th, 2025: I requested an update on the appeal, provided the finalized plaque text and respectfully urged again, their reconsideration. 

Today (October 10th, 2025) they replied:

"Mr. Harrington:

Thank you for your email of October 7, 2025, requesting a reconsideration of supporting a public memorial on Fox Island. Unfortunately, for the various reasons I stated in my previous email, we cannot change our stance on these issues.

Sincerely,

Sara Thompson, Chief 

Wildlife Division"

Given the dismissal and stonewalling of the appeal, I believe they are utilizing their mischaracterization as a means of shutting this effort down. I have since escalated the matter to DNR Director Scott Bowen and the NRC.