The discussion of Watchable Wildlife reminded me that I've been wanting to look into the cost
of the observation towers that are sometimes installed in natural areas to give observers a
territorial view and, in some instances, allow decent views of wildlife at a distance that is
unlikely to be disruptive.

There are a couple of these towers at the Green River Natural Resource Consevation Area
or some such long name) south of South Center in King County. I read in the Olympian that
the Morse Preserve in Pierce County has some kind of tower now (It didn't when I was last
there). I've got a couple of Department of Fish and Wildlife properties in mind where such
towers might really get some use and provide interesting views of wildlife and the beautiful
landscapes that are their habitat.

If anyone has immediate knowledge about the costs of installing these towers, I'm all eyes.

Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Olympia, Washington
Reply to: mcallkrm at dfw.wa.gov

On Fri, 26 Dec 2003, Wilson E Cady wrote:

> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2003 12:34:50 -0800
> From: Wilson E Cady <gorgebirds at juno.com>
> To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
> Subject: Birder's Pass
>
> 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
>