I am not opposed to paying for a permit to access property to
bird as long as the money goes to support the acquisition and maintenance
of those properties. I do buy a fishing/hunting license every year along
with the Forest Service Pass to support these operations. I just hope the
birding community is asked for input or takes time to influence how these
funds are spent.
A visit to the WDF&W web site shows that this money is to be used
for projects that support the watchable wildlife programs. Maybe we can
get more observation blinds and trails for use by the non consumptive
users. The Web site states that some of these funds will be used in
assisting local communities in the development of events, tours, trails,
and brochures. With the exception of trails this sounds more like
projects that should be handled by the Chamber of Commerce, once that
group is educated to the value of wildlife watching tourism. I am working
with two of my local communities to develop a plan to attract more
wildlife viewers to our area. Most refuges would welcome a creation of a
"Friends of the Refuge" group that could work with the local communities.
A visit to your local City Council with data on the number of people
involved in watching wildlife and their impact on the economy of the
State of Washington can work wonders.
Wilson Cady
N45 35.618' W122 13.738'
Washougal, Skamania County, WA
gorgebirds at juno.com