Subject: Access to Hoquiam STP...the official word
Date: Oct 4 14:56:06 2002
From: Rachel Lawson - RachelLawson at softhome.net


Today I called the office at the Hoquiam STP and spoke to one of the lead
men, Albert Waters. I wanted to make sure the staff there knew that I and
other birders visiting the area last weekend sincerely thought we had
permission to go out on the boardwalk, and had not meant to break any
rules. Mr. Waters actually apologized to ME for last weekend's
miscommmunication and confirmed that the boardwalk does indeed belong to
the FAA. Though the STP staff wouldn't particularly mind if birders went
out there, they cannot grant permission themselves. Mr. Waters said he has
already talked to the other lead man, Al Gregory, and has explained what
happened. I asked him to convey my apologies to Mr. Gregory, as well. My
main concern was that the staff would decide that birders are too much
trouble and restrict access to the whole area, but Mr. Waters says this
won't happen. He is glad that word is now out on Tweeters that birders
need to sign in at the office when they enter the facility; as long as we
do this we will continue to be welcome on the STP grounds.

Rachel Lawson
Seattle
RachelLawson at softhome.net