[mou] Exotic Species Law

[Steve Hirsch]

Dear Mr. Williams:

I need to clarify that the Minnesota DNR has not yet taken a position
on the issue of whether house sparrows or European starlings should be
classified as regulated invasive species.  The words attributed to me in
the email below were not written by me.

The DNR will be looking at all of the input we received on this issue
as well as other information before deciding whether or not to propose a
change in the status of house sparrows and European starlings.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Steve Hirsch
Minnesota DNR
(651) 297-4918

>>> Jim Williams <two-jays@att.net> 4/1/2005 8:11:56 AM >>>
As one who maintains a bluebird trail of 30 nest boxes and who has been

active in the national bluebirding community for seven years, I endorse

the position stated by Steve Hirsch of the Minnesota DNR. I already 
have written him to encourage adoption of this change, and I urge you 
to do the same. Here is what Mr. Hirsch says at the end of the message

Ms. Stiteler posted:

"Help stop this cycle of releasing rehabilitated house sparrows which 
in turn
cause death or injury to our native song birds, some of which may 
survive to
be treated by rehabilitation centers!"

Rehab centers (think of the current efforts of The Raptor Center to 
raise money) have no fewer difficulties raising needed funds than do 
other non-profits. To spend those limited funds on treatment of 
invasive and foreign bird species that do harm to native bird species 
makes no sense at all. My bluebird nest boxes lost 12 bluebird eggs 
and/or hatchlings to House Sparrow predation last year. I trap and kill

House Sparrows when I can. I cannot imagine the rationale of treating 
injured House Sparrows (and European Starlings) and releasing them so 
they can kill more (for example) bluebirds. All of Minnesota's 
cavity-nesting bird species can be harmed by the competition offered by

House Sparrows and starlings for nesting sites. Cavity nesters have 
enough problems just finding suitable places to nest. They do not need

to compete with invasive species, particularly those on which rehab 
money has been spent.

Jim Williams
Wayzata

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