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Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 22:37:15 -0700
From: Richard Swanston (Rickswan at netcom.ca)

I am a member of the Public Advisory Committee to the
Alaksen Wildlife Area Delta , B.C. Canada , Federal lands
set aside for Wildlife use . This area includes Reifel
Refuge which is only a PORTION of the lands under Federal
protection .,

Sept. 2 , 1999. I received a call from
a club member that there was something strange going on at
the National Wildlife Area . Could you please look into it .
I called the Lands Manager and was told there would be a
MOVIE shoot within the NWA it would last a few days and only
involve a few of the fields . It would also involve what is
called the Robertson Barn a known Barn Owl roost site [ A
species of concern in Canada ] . THAT money from the rental
of the site would go to Habitat Enhancement ! On Sept. 3,
1999. I attended the NWA and found that several of the
fields were partially turned into parking areas for Crew
cars , Semi's and trucks that Cables and lighting equipment
nearly surrounded the Barn that Night shooting had taken
place inside the barn and there was some reconstruction to
the Barn . Semi's and trucks were also parked in another
field .

Later on that week on returning home
from work at 2 am. I noted a Very BRIGHT light coming from
the Direction of the NWA On Sept. 8, 1999. On a day off
while driving home I again noted the light at 21:40 It was
VERY Bright I was 15 to 20 KMS. Away ! On investigating the
source it was found to be none other then the NWA A large
tower or crane had been erected well inside the NWA with a
VERY powerful light on it . Trucks were again parked in
another field and cables , generators , lighting equipment
was scattered though out the area . On visiting the area the
next day YET another field had been converted to a Grave
yard and the crew was using another barn on the property

Question am I out of line in
protesting the use of Old Field Habitat , Very Bright lights
, Noise and traffic within the NWA ? Or should I be
Grateful that there is money coming in for Habitat
enhancement and just keep my mouth shut on this one ? Is
there timing right has there been a lull in the Migration
and little or no disruption of Migratory birds ? Can are
experts comment on the use of Bright Lights and birds ?

Many Government agencies are told to be
creative in sourcing money . Is this a new trend ? Is Coca
Cola going to put it's symbol on a few Whooping Cranes ??

Richard Swanston
rickswan at netcom.ca
Delta , B. C. Canada

Thank God all the Habitat is going away ,with less trees and
bushes the rare birds are so much easier to see.