Subject: [Tweeters] Help with habitat nesting birds Loon Lake
Date: Jan 25 13:34:40 2008
From: Virginia R, Gumm - ggloon at msn.com


Tweeters,

We need some help with research or information for protecting a wetland area and or breeding habitat at Loon Lake for the red-necked grebes that historically have used this area. The proposed mitigation (for the construction of a new home and the loss of the natural wetland area) states that the habitat would be replaced with artificial nesting platforms, boxes, etc. This area historically is a red-necked grebe nesting area besides other water fowl, and the loss of the spatterdock with replacement of artificial nesting platforms proposed for Canada geese use, will disturb the natural nesting of this area. The County has already given several variances in the wetland area for this individual.

Does anyone have research or information regarding placing (what I call inappropriate) artificial metal/plastic tub "goose" nesting platforms, circular metal/wire water fowl and bird nesting platforms and boxes, in wetland areas? This would obviously destroy or displace the natural nesting behavior of the grebes and other waterbirds that currently use this wetland.

Thanks for your help,

Ginger Gumm and Daniel Poleschook, Jr.
ggloon at msn.com