Subject: Update on Caspian Tern Colony in Columbia River?
Date: Mar 10 15:44:55 1999
From: Scott Richardson - salix at halcyon.com



On Wed, 10 Mar 1999, Herb Curl wrote:
> Hi all, I'd appreciate learning the status of the Army Corps of Engineers
> plan to relocate the Caspian Tern colony on Rice Island, in the Columbia

Herb and all,
The Army Corps of Engineers has issued a final Environmental Assessment
and a finding of no significant impact. Some reviewer concerns were
addressed in the relocation plan, which has already begun to be
implemented.

This was a major topic at the recent Pacific Seabird Group meeting.
Perhaps of greatest concern was the very small amount of habitat being
left unvegetated on Rice Island (1 acre). Much frustration was apparent,
but PSG does not plan an appeal. Little doubt remains that the tern/salmon
issue will be with us for a long while. Piscivorous birds, in general, are
taking more heat than they deserve.

Scott Richardson
Olympia
salix at halcyon.com
richasar at dfw.wa.gov