Burt Guttman wrote:

> Yes, a million bucks sounds awfully high, but I don't know.
> However, for educational purposes, for helping people to
> understand the importance of making that area into a wildlife
> refuge rather than letting it be destroyed, for letting people
> see the beauty of these little animals--it seems like a great
> idea.

The shorebird fest at Bowerman is probably the biggest birding event in the
entire state - correct me if I'm wrong ;-). Recognising the potential for
education, "reconciliation", etc, by spending some money on visitor comforts
and generating revenue for local people would seem to be a good investment. I
think the knock-on effects could extend well beyond the state; given an
educated populace, consider the possibilities for conservation of wetlands and
pollution control on the north slope of Alaska and who knows where else.

Are there any other places on the west coast with such easy access to large
numbers of shorebirds ?

Is this an opportunity too good to miss ?


Stuart MacKay