Forward for Bill Tweit:

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 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