Option Three: Transmittal or cover letter (transmittal letter to the DNR to accompany a proposal to protect Indiana Bats)

Option Three: Transmittal or cover letter (transmittal letter to the DNR to accompany a proposal to protect Indiana Bats)

 

Background: The DNR (Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Government Center South, 402 West Washington Street, Room W298, Indianapolis, IN 46204) has asked you, as an environmental studies major at IUPUI, to research and report back to them on the status of the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis). The Indiana Bat (which is gray, and can be distinguished from more common bats by their pink lips), is one of 21 animal species and 3 plant species in Indiana that have been identified as endangered. You were asked to conduct research into the status of Myotis sodalis in Indiana, review what other states that are hosts to the Indiana Bat are doing to protect it, and to offer recommendations to the DNR to help Indiana establish a program to save this species. Your research has uncovered a number of needs, including the need to conserve and monitor hibernating spots frequented by the species. It has also shown that the remaining pockets of Indiana Bats in the Northeastern United States are being protected much more aggressively by the DNR’s counterparts in Pennsylvania and West Virginia than are those in Indiana. You are aware that the DNR is currently undergoing budget cuts.

 

Your task: To write a letter of transmittal to accompany your report to the Director of the DNR, Mr. Timothy Riffelshell. You are hopeful that your report will produce changes in DNR policy, and you know that the letter of transmittal, being the first part of your document that the Director will see, needs to give a good impression of you and your research.

 

Adapted from Sims, B. R. (2003). Technical Communication for Readers and Writers. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co.