Hello All,

I have just heard of recent unsettling events near the Three Crabs
Restaurant in Sequim, where several birders have infringed on
private property along the beach/tidelands area to the west of Three Crabs.
This land is clearly marked as "No Trespassing." A representative of the
landowner, Dungeness Farms, a hunting club, has contacted me regarding
this problem. The bottom line is this: we need to respect the desires of
the property owners. There have been some nice birds at this location in
the past few weeks. Usually these birds can be observed from the public
areas around Three Crabs and along the road.

The representative of Dungeness Farms wanted to express, in no uncertain
terms, that they would welcome birders as well as clammers and crabbers on
the private tidelands at most times of the year as long as EVERYONE
receives permission to access the tidelands portion of the property. The
uplands and grass areas will continue to be off-limits.

Permission can be obtained at 41 Abernathy Street (360-683-5618). This
information is posted on the edge of the property. Licenses are granted
to each individual for access during one of two six month time periods.
September 4th to February 28th (the period of nocturnal low tides) and
March 1 to August 31st.

The representative also wanted to express that the managers and owners
of Dungeness Farms view the club's role as being conservation stewards
of the land and habitat. The club completely understands the interests
of birders and fully appreciates the richness of the habitat in the
area. Protecting the uplands and grassy area is consistent with theses
purposes. Dungeness Farms wants to cooperate with birders but this
means that we must abide by their stipulation that we simply obtain
permission before proceeding past the private property signs and onto
the private tidelands

It is essential that birders, as a community, maintain cooperative
relationships with private homeowners, farmers, ranchers, hunting club
owners and members, business owners and the multitude of other property
owners who we may meet in the field.

This is referenced in Section 2 of the American Birding Association's Code
of Ethics:

2. Respect the law, and the rights of others.
2(a) Do not enter private property without the owner's explicit
permission.
2(b) Follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing use of roads and
public areas, both at home and abroad.
2(c) Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people. Your
exemplary behavior will generate goodwill with birders and non-birders
alike.

I will now climb down off my soapbox.

Thanks, everyone.

Cheers and Good Birding,
Ted Kenefick
Seattle, WA

tgkenefick at MSN.COM