Greetings All

Well, Bentsen is already the most visited bird spot in the Valley. If they
think these changes will increase visitation, I think they will be most
surprised. Also, virtually all the human activity is (was) quite
concentrated in a small area there. Now, it will likely be more dispersed.

But what I will really miss is the gathering aspect. All those birders,
novice and expert, gathered around the trailers. Yeah, at times it was noisy.
But, there was no place like it. A spot to meet and hang out among bouts of
more serious birding. As Hugh said, for quiet reflection, there are trails at
Santa Ana, Laguna Atascosa, Sabal Palm and many other places. I am sure that
these changes at Bentsen will negatively impact birders, and I am sure that
the number of visitors will drop.

As for the birds, maybe there will be some small benefit, but the addition of
these few acres (the part of Bentsen dedicated to camping) to the thousands
of acres of native habitat along the Rio Grande Trail seems trivial.

Alas

Steven Mlodinow
SGMlod at aol.com
Everett WA
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