I disagreed with his attitude, but he had stated his views clearly. I would answer his letter point by point. I might not change his opinion, but I would offer what explanation I could. Perhaps you are aware of the worldwide decline in amphibians reported by many scientists. The disappearance of amphibians is an indication that severe environmental problems exist, some of which we may be unaware of.
Some ecologists try to track responses of the environment due to human effects.
Ecological studies of frogs and salamanders in wetlands establish the baseline for what amphibian populations do in unaffected natural habitats. If we do not know what animals do under natural conditions, we cannot determine if observed changes are due to some man-made cause that can be controlled. The average person is totally at the mercy of his environment. This is a powerful reason for all people to be concerned about what is discovered as a consequence of studies of amphibians. If you feel this is an example of misappropriated funds, I would ask what you feel is an example of properly appropriated funds.