Some of you from the area need to take the responsibility to monitor the Terns
and the Port. Once they begin building nests they can't be disturbed but that
doesn't mean that an outfit like a Port wouldn't try. We had to call DNR over
last year to read the riot act to the Port of Olympia and it's tenant about
cleaning out active Barn Swallow nests to keep their poop off the sidewalk. We
think it was a teachable moment and the Port pledged to monitor the situation
better. I put them on notice that I'll be documenting and taking pictures as
nests begin to be built this year to prevent any further "mistakes." I pointed
out that even if it were a tenant who was breaking the law the public will
always see it as another arrogant Port against the environment which is
something at least the Port of Olympia is trying to put behind them. Others
chimed in with e-mails reminding them that it's a very pubic area and there are
lots of environmentalists who will be watching. It would be great if some of
you in Bellingham would do the same. If there were 3000 there last year my bet
is that at least some will begin nest building. My understanding is that is the
trigger point. A nest is active from the moment they begin building it not when
they begin laying eggs and it's a state and federal crime as well as bad public
mojo to interfere from that point.


Ray Holden
Olympia