Dear Tweeters,



I'm sending this email to you to let you know that due to budget cuts
throughout the state, Brooks Memorial State Parkhas been selected to be
closed possibly as soon as February 1st, of this year. The part they want
to close is the west side campground/day use area. This side includes the
restrooms that, up until now, have been open year round for travelers'
conveniences. It is also the easiest side at which to bird.



We have tried to convince the Agency Director that this part of the park is
valuable habitat for birding, the Western Grey Squirrel, and some native
orchids, but he has not budged. Our last hope is that others will speak up
to let the Agency Director of the Eastern Region know that his decision to
close that side of the park was based on inadequate information.



I'm not sending this notice in fear that if the park closes I will lose my
job, no. Park Rangers and other people will be transferred to other parks.
I happen to know that this park is a flyway corridor for many migrating
birds, some we have yet to discover. It is already a nesting site for many
migratory birds including seven species of warblers. Often, when parks are
closed, the land is eventually sold off. Development of this land would be
a shame.



Anyway, if you feel you could send a comment to the Director in favor of
keeping the entire park open, we would be most grateful. E-mail comments
to: <mailto:pao at parks.wa.gov> pao at parks.wa.gov. Attn: Rex Derr, Eastern
Region Agency Director. This e-address is also good for sending comments to
the Parks Commission; Mickey Fearn, Fred Olson, Bob Petersen, Eliot Scull,
Joe Taller, Jan Thomas, and Cecilia Vogt (Brooks rep).



Thank you for your time,

Nancy Wallwork

Brooks Memorial State Park