I've tenatively scheduled the birding/fire ecology trip in the
Thunder Mt fire for the weekend of Sept 28-29. This will be a one day trip
that will explore at least 3 habitat types involved in the fire; high
intensity burns, dry,aspen meadow and wetland. We can do this trip on both
days if there is enough interest or if there are different "energy" levels
to accomodate. It is a particularly diverse hike to approach this area
from the Chewuch. that way you come through riparian to ponderosa
pine/douglas fir old growth on your way into the burn. It's short but
sweet to hike in this way (about 2600 ft of elevation) and definetly worth
every step. If anyone is interested in this let me know. Otherwise, we'll
hike in from the Thirtymile meadow side.
The date is flexible at this point. It's a good time because of
the raptor migration, boreal owl debates, larch in full color etc. The
weekend before or after are usually good too. So let me know how this
works for you if you are interested.I'd like to have the date finalized by
Aug 15 so that the other "'ologists" can arrange schedules.
We are trying to promote this area for addition to the adjacent
research natural area, not only because of its unique ecology, but for its
outstanding educational and research values. If you think that this is a
valid use of our public lands, then this is one proposal that you can
support just by coming out and enjoying yourself.
Mary Poss
Dept Microbiology
UW
mposs at u.washington.edu