Here is the response from Ron Martin to Fred Bird (slightly emended by
Fred), to whom I wrote asking about the situation on Spencer Island. My
understanding now is that dogs are *not* supposed to be on the island at
all, except for hunting dogs during hunting season. I hope any of you who
see a dog owner on the island will politely call their attention to this
fact. I also hope the Parks & Recreation Department will indeed have a
conspicuous enforcement presence on the island from time to time and will
make a point of issuing citations. I suspect that's the most effective way
to reduce the scope of the problem of both dogs and bicycles.

I think we need also to remain aware that the Fish and Wildlife Dept.
controls the north half of the island and to keep them informed of our
concerns. Also, during hunting season it wouldn't hurt to engage hunters
you see there, to ask them how they're doing, and to express the idea that
you consider them allies in working to the same goal, to preserve wildlife.
Most of them are (not the yahoos who shoot up the signs).
--------

>(M)any of the issues brought to your attention by Mr. Paulson were/are
>already on our radar screen to deal with. In fact new standard metal
>signs replacing the temporary laminated signs noting wildlife reserve, no
>dogs and no bicycles were installed on Sunday March 11th. Regular visits
>to the site are made by commissioned ranger staff throughout the winter.
>We are in the process of reviewing the rest of the messages at the island
>and coordinating with the Fish and Wildlife Department to do so. I would
>suggest (that) future citizen concerns (be addressed directly) to our
>department at 425-339-1208. We have a process in place to address all
>citizen concerns and complaints. Thanks.
Ron Martin, Director Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Department

Dennis Paulson, Director phone 253-879-3798
Slater Museum of Natural History fax 253-879-3352
University of Puget Sound e-mail dpaulson at ups.edu
Tacoma, WA 98416
http://www.ups.edu/biology/museum/museum.html