[mou] Ivory-billed Woodpecker articles and personal mental wonderings about the birding community and habitat conservation

[Kelly Larson]

Brad,

most excellent wonderings!
I think a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp would make a great
stocking stuffer! I also like the idea of posting a calendar of volunteer
opportunities on the MOU web site. I know that MOU has recently leased land in
the interest of quality birding. How does it feel about becoming a landowner
and steward?

Kelly Larson
Bemidji, MN

Brad Bolduan wrote:

> Although I was burned out on the Ivory-billed Woodpecker hype for a while, I
> thought I should pass along the following link which I saw posted on the
> Iowa List Serve.
>
> http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/12/13/ivorybilled.woodpecker.reut/index
> .html
>
> The article discusses the contributions hunters have made in habitat
> protection and monitoring with regard to the recent rediscovery of the
> Ivory-Billed Woodpecker.  I personally believe that this is an important
> message and I believe the article is well written - it may be worth a look.
> The person posting to the Iowa list emphasized that birders, as well, can
> buy migratory waterfowl stamps (duck stamps) and that 98% of the revenue
> raised through these purchases goes toward habitat acquisition.
>
> The most recent issue of North American Birds also has a section dedicated
> to Ivory-Billed Woodpecker monitoring and potential for rediscovery in the
> Southeastern US which I found interesting.  It, also, may be worth reading
> if you can find a copy.
>
> Thinking about birders (MOU specifically) and habitat conservation....and
> just thinking off the top of my head...  I know some birders say they are
> reluctant to buy waterfowl stamps, but we all seem to believe conservation
> is important...  Has the MOU ever considered the possibility fund-raising
> for targeted habitat "acquisitions" (in conjunction with TNC, DNR, or
> USFWS)?  With the exception of Hawk Ridge I have never heard the possibility
> discussed, although the need for birders to be involved in conservation has
> often been discussed on this list.  I am thinking of an initative similiar
> to the fund raising attempts for Bolviar Flats a few years ago.
>
> Perhaps if TNC, USFWS, or DNR has a willing landowner near Felton Prairie,
> Red Rock Prairie, Salt Lake or near selected areas through-out the state...
> there could be an organized structure for raising money from the birding
> community (after all 36% of the state's population has been labeled as "Bird
> Watchers").  Perhaps the birding community would be more willing to
> contribute if they knew where their habitat dollars would be spent.  Just a
> thought....
>
> If anyone is still reading, perhaps the MOU could take an active role in
> finding volunteers for monitoring or habitat improvement projects such as
> buckthorn removal.  Williams Nature Park (home of the often watched Kentucky
> Warblers) is one spot that is becoming overgrown with exotic species
> (buckthorn).  Perhaps the MOU could provide a method of organizing "habitat
> crews" for such projects (assuming that the landowner has a similiar
> interest in preserving the habitat).  TNC does something similiar for
> habitat improvement projects on their preserves.  Perhaps it could be as
> simple as a volunteer opportunity posting to this list, a listing of
> upcoming habitat projects on the MOU website, or an annual supplement to the
> newsletter similiar to the ABA's "Volunteer Opportunities".  I wonder how
> much interest there might be for such a initative.  (I also wonder if the
> buckthorn at Williams could ever be eliminated by physical or chemical
> means)
>
> These activities may well be beyond the current abilities or interests of
> the MOU, but the article got me thinking about the issues, possibilities,
> and ...
>
> Thank you for your patience,
>
> Brad Bolduan
> Windom, MN
>
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