Subject: Brady Loop Ponds Directions & Access Update
Date: Aug 14 13:06:50 2001
From: Lynn & Carol Schulz - linusq at worldnet.att.net


Hi Tweeters:
This is Carol Schulz. If you are going to Grays Harbor, you may want to
view Brady Loop Wetlands which is near Montesano. Right now from a
distance, it looks like grassy pasture. This is private property, and one
of the owners is a wildlife biologist named Greg Schirato. He is involved
w/ area enhancement, and you must get permission to walk in on his dike.
Ryan Shaw forwarded the following msg. to Tweeters on Feb 9, 2001:
----------------------
>From Bill Tweit 2/9/01:
Since I've noticed some questions on Tweeters about access to the shorebird
spot on the west end of the Brady Loop Rd. in recent weeks, I asked one of
the owners of the property about access. The owner is Greg Schirato, a
wildlife biologist, who is working on improving the wildlife value of the
property. Greg is uncomfortable with allowing unrestricted access at this
time, for several reasons. During hunting season, the area functions as a
sanctuary, and folks walking in would flush the birds out of the sanctuary
areas. But, even after hunting ends, he wishes to keep access restricted.
The main reason that he mentioned it is that last fall he encountered at
least
one large group of birders that had left the dike and were trampling the
vegetation and he had found trampled areas left by others. This area is not
just weedy pasture, he is specifically trying to cultivate vegetation with
high wildlife value. He recognizes that he has created a very good birding
area, and is willing to allow birders to enter if they check with him before
entering. To that end, he has provided his cellular phone number (360)
490-4398. Thanks for cooperating, he is trying to do good things with that
land. And, please let him know that you appreciate what he is doing. You
wouldn't believe the beauracratic maze that can confront someone who is
trying to do what he is doing. Bill Tweit
----------------------------
Continued Update from Carol on 8/14/01
Some friends and I entered the property last week to view shorebirds, after
viewing the bushes along the road. The whole area was quite productive that
morning. Just before we got to the gate to the ponds, we had migrants in
the bushes near the road on the right, and a calling Red-shouldered Hawk
back in the fog to the right (west). There were some shorebirds at the
ponds.
We called ahead at 360-490-4398 and told Greg Schirato that we would be
there that day. We told him what kind of car we'd be driving. We entered
at the dike. The near ponds are dry this year, but if you continue walking
on the dike about 1/4 of a mile, you will eventually be able to view the
larger rear pond past the grass.
-----------------------------
DIRECTIONS:
Brady Loop Wetlands is near Montesano. A very small sign near the gate says
"Landowner
plus USDA/NRCS". There is a small wire fence next to a metal gate that you
may
have to squeeze through or go over the gate. The grass has grown up and you
can't see in.
Take State Highway 12 west from Olympia toward Aberdeen, Hoquiam, & Ocean
Shores. West of Elma, after passing the Satsop River Bridge, watch for the
exit to the town of Brady on the right. Turn LEFT, away from the town,
cross the highway, and go right (west) on the other side of the highway onto
Monte-Brady Rd. Monte-Brady Rd parallels the main highway and is south of
the highway. It runs west from the Brady exit to an exit east of Montesano.
Go west on Monte-Brady 1.5 miles, passing Foster Rd on your left (which can
be good in spring migration for shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors). At 1.5
miles, turn left on Brady Loop Rd.
On Brady Loop, go south 0.4 miles, passing a trailer house on the left, and
then a farmhouse on the left. On the left side of the road, down in the
fields, a metal gate blocks a trail along a dike. The fence
is not electrified and is not barbed wire. Walk past the gate several
blocks
on the dike/trail. Wetlands are on the right of the trail. If driving from
Aberdeen, take Highway 12 to Montesano. Two miles east of
Montesano, turn right (south) on Monte Brady Rd. At 0.9 miles, turn right
(south) at Brady Loop Rd. Follow directions above.
Remember to call ahead, so you can walk in on the dike DURING NON-HUNTING
SEASON. During hunting season, the grass is shorter, and you may be able to
view the near pond from the road.

Carol Schulz
DesMoines
linusq at worldnet.att.net