Andy,

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. It has been distressing to view the massive amount of snag cutting at Bethel Ridge for the past several years. It is not always obvious to whom we should be voicing our concerns?your suggestions will help.

And, be aware that collective concern can bring about changes. The recent burn at Angel Lake (get map from this checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24406407 <http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24406407>) has produced abundant visits by several woodpecker species. This year, I was surprised and relieved to see that someone has gotten the Forest Service to take action. Dozens of these signs (https://picasaweb.google.com/104613265151815506340/BethelRidge2014#6184189811114148882) are posted around the perimeter of the burn area, evidence that the agency will take action with the right motivation.

Scott Ramos
Seattle



> On Aug 17, 2015, at 8:22 PM, Andy Stepniewski <steppie at nwinfo.net> wrote:
>
> Tweeters,
>
> Did you know it is legal for the public to cut down snags on National Forests in eastern Washington? This includes the well-known Bethel Ridge area on the White Pass Highway where many birders go to seek woodpeckers (10 species are possible!). Black-backed, White-headed, and American Three-toed woodpeckers are special targets in this area. This region also has excellent habitat for other sought-after species like Flammulated Owl. This year in the Bethel Ridge area, nests of rare species like black-backed and white-headed woodpeckers were cut down by woodcutters.
>
> Audubon Washington has taken on protection of snags as a conservation issue to help preserve habitat for for woodpeckers and the many other species of snag-dependent wildlife.
>
> Please help raise awareness of this issue. You can sign a petition that only takes a minute of your time: https://works.audubon.org/petition/snagged-end-snag-cutting-federal-lands <>
>
> And/or, you can contact the National Forests yourself in writing/emails/phone. Information on who to contact is on Audubon Washington's webpage: http://wa.audubon.org/chapter-conservation-projects-programs <>
>
> Please consider taking a moment to help wildlife that rely on snags. The many species of wildlife that depend on snags will ALL thank you: woodpeckers, sapsuckers, owls, bluebirds, swifts, swallows, wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, ducks, kestrels, bats, squirrels, chipmunks, and more.
>
> Thanks for helping to protect the remarkable diversity of woodpeckers in our Cascade forests.
>
> Andy Stepniewski
> Wapato WA
> steppie at nwinfo.net <mailto:steppie at nwinfo.net>