The situation where the whooper swan is visiting is very sad to hear.
For clarity about this location at "Qualco", as some people think
this is public land or this or that about this area. The property of what
was formerly known as Honor Farm Prison (owned by WA State) now belongs to
a tribal held entity called Qualco. It is, in fact, ALL PRIVATE LAND!
This property has been leased to the Werkhoven Dairy and they control
the use of the property, plant and harvest the crops, etc. Therefore, if
anyone from the dairy says to stay off the property they have every legal
right to say so. Please do not park or drive on their property.
Meaning: only park on the road's meager shoulder where it is safe to do
so and absolutely do not tresspass onto their property.
While many of you that really want to just "take a quick look" are not
really talking about (maybe not even thinking about) anything but their
access to the site, their ability to park, how to best view the Whooper
Swan. What you need to also know is the detrimental impact you are having
on the swans and their agricultural dependence on this dairy with the
highly nutritious grass and other crops. Also as important the proximity
(just across Cresecent Lake Rd to the west) to a public owned lake night
roost and public owned planted for waterfowl, including swans, food
resources. The Qualco property (plus Werkhoven owned lands) and Crescent
Lake Unit of the WDFW Snoqualmie Wildlife Area is of significant importance
to wintering swans. The swans will soon or have begun to stage for the
migration in this area. All of the human activity to view a rare swan has
and is having a negative impact on the entire winter area and the
relationship that has been built over time with the dairy farmers here and
in other areas of this valley.
Please consider this when making your decision if "getting it on your
life list" is worth the negative impacts at one of the most significant
wintering areas for swans in Snohomish/King counties.
And a side note: swans like to sleep in a bit and do not come off the
night roost until after dawn and sometimes well after as in 8:30-9:00 am
plus at this time of year.
Thank you for your consideration. And thank you to those who have
spoken up about the concerns of the farmer and others.
Respectfully,
Martha Jordan
Everett, WA