Certainly it's important to be considerate and respectful of the rights of
property owners, especially in areas that are intensely birded. But isn't
it true that the ocean is public property up to the high tide line?
Gene Bullock
Poulsbo

Original Message -----
From: "Ted Kenefick" <tgkenefick at msn.com>
To: "tweeters" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2004 10:34 PM
Subject: Three Crabs Area/Dungeness Farms Property


> 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