[mou] My response!

Mike Hendrickson smithville4@charter.net
Mon, 16 Jan 2006 15:51:39 -0600


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  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Tom Crumpton=20
  To: Mike Hendrickson ; MOU-Net=20
  Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 2:11 PM
  Subject: Re: [mou] Sax Zim Bog Sunday


  Mike=20
  The loggers have to freeze the road down before they can move in.  One =
rule of thumb (a fairly accurate one) is that you have to have the road =
plowed before January 15th in order to get sufficient frost in the =
ground.  That is enough frost to move trucks that weigh 80,000 plus =
pounds when loaded across the bog. =20

  So "Your loggers"  will not be moving in for a little while yet.
  They might not even move in this year. =20

  This is the hardest winter loggers have seen in Northern MN  in the =
25+ years I have been working the bogs here. =20

  The DNR has a natural heritage database that lists significant orchids =
and other natural heritage info. they deem significant.  Contact Sharron =
Nelson and know the legal description for where you want data for.   If =
anyone discovers things they think maybe should be listed they can let =
the DNR know I would suggest the wildlife manager for the local area.  I =
am a private consultant with some knowledge of the state.  By the way =
what orchids are you referring to????  Why is this bog you describe =
unique? =20

  THIS BOG LOCATED ALONG MCDAVITT ROAD IS NOT JUST UNIQUED TO ME BUT TO =
MANY BIRDERS FROM ALL OVER THE U.S. WHO VISITED THIS BOG TO LOOK FOR THE =
THREE-TOED WOODPECKER AND BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS. MANY ALSO SEARCHED =
THIS AREA FOR BOREAL CHICKADEES AND ALSO FOR ALL THE OTHER BOREAL =
SPECIES THAT NEST HERE.  SO ITS UNIQUED FOR MANY REASONS OTHER THAN MY =
REASONS.


  I would suggest that your chances of stopping the current logging  are =
one in a million.  There is a state forestry office in Cotton FYI a Mr. =
Danzl works there I believe.  Your best to call ahead if you want =
someone to be there when you arrive.  That office is supervised out of =
Duluth or Cloquet.  Your legislative representatives would be your best =
bet  (but don't tell anyone I said so).

  THANKS I WILL CALL THESE PEOPLE AND ALSO LAURA ERICKSON EMAILED ME AND =
SHE IS GOING TO TALK ABOUT THIS LOGGING EFFORTS IN HER NEXT RADIO =
PROGRAM. LAURA'S RADIO SHOW "FOR THE BIRDS" ATTRACTS HUNDREDS IF NOT =
THOUSANDS OF BIRDERS FROM ALL OVER.  I WILL ALSO CONTACT SAM COOK AND =
SEE IF HE IS INTERESTED IN DOING A STORY ON THIS LOGGING. =20

  The reality of the picture you present is that logging created almost =
all of the wildlife habitat, roads and trails that you use to earn money =
guiding birders.=20
  EXPLAIN HOW LOGGING HAS CREATED A BOG TO ME ESPECIALLY A FLOATING BOG? =
 I MIGHT HAVE OT QUESTION YOU ABOUT THE ROADS SINCE MOST IF NOT ALL OF =
THEM ARE CROSS SECTION ROADS THAT RUN EAST WEST AND NORTH SOUTH IN MILE =
SECTIONS.  THERE IS NO TRAILS UP THERE EXCEPT THE SNOW MOBILE TRAIL OVER =
BY TOIVOLA.

  Logging and the associated industries (paper, OSB board and lumber) =
are still a large part of northern Minnesotas economy.
  Granted guiding and servicing bird watchers is a growing segment. =20

  When you attack other independent people and employers its a bad =
reflection on you.  Loggers are pretty independent, most of the ones =
that have survived are pretty good and conscientious about their jobs.  =
I have watched the decline of the small farmer (the extinction of the =
dairy farmer in this area) and I am glad that there are still =
independent people that survive through hard work as well as brains =
(loggers).  The number of logging operations has declined over 50% in =
the last 28 years as well.  Loggers capacity to harvest wood has =
increased substantially in that same time frame.  Less employees and =
more debt for equipment (at least the banks get richer). =20

  I NEVER SAID I WAS ANTI LOGGING DID I?  I AM THOUGH CONCERN ABOUT =
LOSING HABITAT THAT I KNOW IS VERY FRAGILE. I ALSO READ THAT BOGS IN THE =
NORTHERN MINNESOTA ARE DECLINING.  I WORKED WITH PEOPLE WHO LOGGED IN =
THE WINTER WHEN THEY GOT LAYED OFF DURING THE WINTER AS A ROOFER.  I =
KNOW LOGGERS AND YES THEY ARE GOOD HARD WORKING PEOPLE BUT AGAIN I AM =
CONCERN THAT TO MUCH OF THE BOG IS GETTING LOGGED OUT IN SAX ZIM. IS =
THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THAT?

  Logging and the associated industrial value added jobs are a large =
segment of the better paying jobs in certain parts of Northern =
Minnesota.

  The forests of Northern Mn are a renewable resource.  How many acres =
of forest are lost to the sprawl of cities and small site development =
(this includes the conversion of farm land (that was once forest)).  I =
think you will find that this causes a much greater loss of forests and =
habitat in MN than logging. =20

  Maybe I should complain and say the city should grow up instead of =
out?????  yeah right.

  There is no question logging changes wildlife habitat.  What hurts one =
species favors another. =20
         Most Northern Hawk owls I have seen have been pointed out to me =
by loggers on fresh cutovers.
         Boreal Chickadees seem more prevalent in black spruce that is =
15-30 years old than in older stands.
          Is the increase in rose breasted grosbeaks where I live =
attributable to the increase in aspen 12-25 years old??? =20
         Is the increase in  indigo buntings attributable to the =
increase in 6-15 year old aspen??

  AHHH BOREAL CHICKADEES IN THE SAX ZIM BOG ARE ASSOCIATED WITH BOGS =
THAT HAVE CEDARS, BLACK SPRUCE AND TAMARACKS. THERE IS NO 15-30 YEAR OLD =
STAND OF BLACK SPRUCE IN THE BOG ITS A MIX BOG.  NORTHERN HAWK OWLS ARE =
NOT LIVING OR NESTING IN A CUT OR LOGGED OUT AREA IN MINNESOTA. THERE =
ARE ONLY A HANDFUL OF NESTING RECORDS IN MINNESOTA. IF LOGGERS SAW THESE =
OWLS IN THE CUT OUT AREAS THEY MAY OF BEEN USING THESE OPEN AREAS FOR =
HUNTING PURPOSES. =20

  =20

  I can imagine the impression you left with the people from Ill.  It is =
to bad it was such a one sided one.

  THE PEOPLE I GUIDED NOR THE PEOPLE I SAW THERE (10-15 OTHER BIRDERS) =
NEVER MAY ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THE LOGGING OR POTENTIAL LOGGING IN THIS =
AREA. SO THERE WAS NO ONE SIDED ARGUEMENTS BEING MADE.

  There is a million acre conference in Duluth the second w/e of =
February.  The focus of the conference will be forestry and wildlife.  =
It would be an opportunity for you to learn a broader perspective and it =
is in your home town I believe.

  If your so anti logging maybe you should buy land and protect it.  =
There is a sustainable forest incentive act (SFIA) program that will pay =
roughly $4.32 per acre per year to help you afford to keep it.

  WHERE IN THE HELL DID I EVER MENTIONED IN MY EMAIL I WAS ANTI LOGGING? =
 OH BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT A CERTAIN BOG THAT ISABOUT TO BE LOGGED OUT YOU =
ARE ASSUMING I AM A TREE HUGGER OR RADICAL ENVIRONMENTALIST.  YOU ARE =
REACHING ON THIS STATEMENT OR COMMENTS ABOUT ME AS A PERSON AND MY =
BELIEFS!

  But if you want to manage it (which may include logging) let me know I =
will help you get the best price for your wood and  we can manage it for =
whatever species (be it trees or wildlife) you would like that  is =
suitable for the area.  I work on a percentage basis (of timber sale =
receipts) usually.  Therefore it will not cost you a penny out of your =
pocket and it will probably be very lucrative.  Let me know soon though =
because I am booked into summer with writing forest and wildlife =
management plans (as well as timber sales) for landowners who desire to =
manage their lands.  Timber sale receipts are subject to capital gain =
tax rates and the basis can be subtracted  from income also.

  The bird report from the borderland (beautiful Rainy River)
  STILL HOSTING
  60+ evening grosbeaks (here AM and well into PM)
  good numbers of pine grosbeaks,=20
  downy and hairy wood peckers,=20
  pine siskins
  chickadees,=20
  nuthatches (both kinds),=20
  eagles (river is wide open a very rare occurrence in January)
  occasional gray jay

  KEEP ENJOYING THOSE EVENING GROSBEAKS BECAUSE OF THE CONSTANT HABITAT =
LOSS TO THESE BIRDS YOUR 60+ THIS YEAR WILL NO DOUBT SLIDE TO 20+ A FEW =
YEARS FROM NOW!

  Mike,
  Last year you ranted about local people ragging on you and others for =
setting people up on county roads with spotting scopes, cameras and =
binoculars to look at local peoples bird feeders.  I kind of get the =
feeling  you probably did not ask permission as a courtesy first =
(because you figured you could be on a public road and do what ever you =
wanted).  If people set up cameras with huge lenses and spotting scopes =
outside my house without asking I might be a little pissed.  If I was  =
elderly I would probably be paranoid or scared. =20
  Most people live rurally for a variety of reasons. =20
  One of which is privacy.
  Another is to enjoy wildlife (Bird feeder).
  I would not fault those people for one second for calling the police =
about peeping Mike's or harassment.  I  am pretty sure they would be =
successful in pursuing a court order in keeping you and your customers =
away from their homes (but I am not a lawyer).  I believe the road =
safety issue was addressed last year.
  Road safety on many roads is an issue in MN especially in the winter =
time.  Roads where logging trucks haul and local people travel should be =
left passable, clear and safe when stopping for viewing birds. =20

  WHAT IN THE HELL DOES THIS HAS TO DO WITH MY TOPIC ABOUT INFORMING =
PEOPLE ABOUT THE LOGGING IN THE SAX ZIM BOG?  FIRST I WAS TALKING ABOUT =
ST. LOUIS COUNTY ROAD 7 WHICH IS A TWO LANE ROAD THAT LINKS MANY OF THE =
COMMUNITIES WITH EVELETH AND THE EVELETH MINE. VERY RARELY IF EVER =
LOGGING TRUCKS USE THIS ROAD AS THEY USE HIGHWAY 53 FOR THEIR TRAVEL =
WHICH THEN THE LOGGERS USE HIGHWAY 33 TO CLOQUET TO THE PAPER MILL WHERE =
MY BROTHER-IN LAW WORKS AND WHERE I BUILT A LOT OF THEIR FLAT ROOFS WHEN =
THEY EXPANDED ( ANTI LOGGING ! RIGHT).  I ALSO CALLED THE COUNTY SHERIFF =
TO LOOK INTO MY RIGHTS TO USE A PUBLIC ROAD TO VIEW WILDLIFE AND I FOUND =
OUT IT WAS WITHIN MY RIGHT.  I ALSO USED THE 8 FOOT SHOULDERS TO PARK MY =
CAR WHEN I STOPPED TO LOOK AT THEIR FEEDERS.  THERE WAS NEVER A ISSUE OF =
PUBLIC SAFETY OR KEEPING THE ROAD OPEN. OVIOUSLY TOM COMPTON NEVER =
VISITED THIS AREA LAST YEAR OR ELSE HE WOULD OF GOTTEN HIS FACTS RIGHT!  =
I GOT RESPONSES ABOUT THAT EMAIL AND BY THE WAY TOMMY I GOT 2 PEOPLE WHO =
WERE UPSET WITH MY EMAIL AND THE REST THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD EMAIL AND I =
SPOKE THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS PARTICUALR RESIDENT. THIS WOMAN THOUGHT =
VISITING BIRDERS WERE STEALING HER MAIL!  ALSO BIRDERS BY FAR =
CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH MONEY TO THIS AREA THAT CAFES THAT NORMALLY LAYED =
OFF EMPOYEES WERE WORKING ALL WINTER LONG. SOME PLACES LIKE MEADOWLANDS =
WERE HAPPY WITH ALL THE BIRDERS. I JUST WAS ANNOYED BY THE FEW EGG HEADS =
THAT TOSSED BEER BOTTLES AT BIRDERS, SWERVED AT THEM AND HONKED THEIR =
HORNS, STOPPED BY THEM AND GLARED AT THEM WHOLE SHAKING A FIST AT THEM.  =
SOME SHOT SHOT GUNS OUTSIDE TO SCARE THEM OFF THE PUBLIC ROADS.  OVERALL =
HUNDREDS OF BIRDERS ENJOYED THEMSELVES UP IN THE SAX ZIM BOG.=20

  I AM FAIRLY CERTAIN YOU  JUST BROUGHT THIS UP TO JUST PISS ME OFF AND =
TURN THE ATTENTION AWAY FROM LOGGING BUT TO ME INSTEAD.  WHY IS THAT?


  I realize full well that the majority of people on this list serve =
might see things Mike's way.  It is good to have people who are a little =
radical (or loud) to keep our perspectives open and to educate us as to =
different viewpoints.  I guess that is part of my reason for answering =
his email.  The forestry profession has not  educated people to the =
degree they should have. It is accepted that foresters were the first =
environmentalists (aldo leopold, I might argue that natives or =
aboriginals in other areas were).   Many environmental organizations =
mislead and misinform to scare people into supporting their causes. =20
  Scare tactics, sensationalism and polarized viewpoints seem to be the =
way things are done more commonly now. =20

  WAS MY EMAIL A SCARE TACTIC OR WAS I JUST REPORTING A EVENT THAT MAY =
EFFECT ALL OF US?  I AM FAIRLY CERTAIN I WAS JUST REPORTING A EVENT IN =
THE SAX ZIM BOG AND I WAS LOOKING FOR SOME HELP FROM THOSE THAT MIGHT BE =
JUST AS CONCERN AS I.  THIS AREA IS LIKE MY BACKYARD. I SPEND SO MUCH =
TIME UP HERE AND I LOVE IT.  I REMEMBER THE TUNNEL EFFECT OF THE TREES =
AT THE BEND OF OWL AVENUE, I REMEMBER THE CEDAR STANDS AND SPRUCE STANDS =
ALONG 133.  I REMEMBER THE SPRUCE AND TAMARACKS ALONG STONE LAKE ROAD =
THAT WAS HOME TO CONN WARBLERS AND BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS.  I AM TIRED =
OF STANDING AROUND AND SEEING PLACES I WAS ONCE KNEW TO BE FLATTEN OUT =
FOR TOILET PAPER!  HELL THE WOOD CANNOT BE THAT GREAT SINCE MOST OF IT =
WAS INFECTED WITH SPRUCE BUD WORM.  I KNOW TOM IS GOING TO CREDIT THAT =
ALL THE TOILET PAPER COMES FROM THE WOOD FROM SAX ZIM.  I JUST WANT MY =
LITTLE PIECE OF THE BOG TO BE LEFT ALONG!  WHAT IN THE HELL IS WRONG =
WITH THAT!
  TOM YOU TOOK A LITTLE EMAIL AND MADE IT INTO SOME HUGE ISSUE AND ITS =
NOT.  ALL I WAS DOING WAS SHARING THE EVENTS OF WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE =
BOG! A PLACE THAT OVIOUSLY YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT. I DO AND I KNOW OTHERS =
DO AS WELL.


  Fortunately I lead a protected (insulated) life.  I do host bird =
watchers (best place in state for evening grosbeaks)(also fisher people) =
and profesional photographers occasionally so contact me if your in the =
neighborhood (350 miles  no. of cities).  You will not find my feeders =
adjacent to any public roadway.

  THERE ARE A LOT OF FEEDERS IN SAX ZIM AND IN DULUTH THAT HOST EVENING =
GROSBEAKS. PLACES LIKE ISABELLA HAS EVENING GROSBEAKS AND ALSO KIM RISEN =
AND CINDY RISEN HAVE A GREAT FEEDER THAT HOST EVENING GROSBEAKS. YOU DO =
NOT HAVE TO TRAVEL 300-400 MILES TO SEE THESE BIRDS!!

  I own my own business and am a private forestry and wildlife (this =
includes birds and other species) consultant.  I assist people with =
managing their lands and have worked in Northern MN for over 25 years.  =
I also do some limited teaching and guiding in natural resources.  I =
have walked in bogs for 25 plus years (maybe I am nuts when I reflect on =
that fact).
  Woods & Wildlife Forestry & Real Estate Services
  Have a great week
  Tom Crumpton

  Please excuse my long defense and attempt at educating people who have =
not had the opportunity to live, work, learn and coexist with the =
surroundings that I have had.=20

  Mike Hendrickson wrote:

    Was out guiding a couple from Illinois.

    Birds seen:
    -Northern Hawk Owl along Stone Lake Rd and McDavitt Rd.
    -Boreal Chickadees along Co. Rd 52
    -Gray Jays (every where)
    -Northern Shrike
    -Snow Buntings along Co. 7. A small flock of 30 1/4 mi. north of =
Byrne's Greenhouse & a flock of 150 at the Malmberg Sod Farms south of =
Byrne's Greenhouse. These were seen from 3-4pm
    -Pine Grosbeaks & Evening Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls at a few =
feeders
    -Common Redpoll along Blue Spruce Rd.  A large flock of 200+ birds =
feeding on the Tamaracks.

    * The Black-backed Woodpeckers that were reported several times =
along McDavitt. Rd (2.5 miles north of Co. Rd 28-Sax Rd) were not found =
by my group nor all the other birders that tried to locate these birds.

    =
BUT----------------------------------------------------------------------=
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This unique (????) bog along McDavitt Rd. is in DANGER! Many of =
those that hiked around this area last year remember that on the east =
side opposite of all those snowshoe trails was a open corridor into the =
bog. This corridor is the same corridor that I warned others in this =
listserve that this road looks like a sign for future logging. WELL =
yesterday a bulldozer worked all day in Sunday widening the corridor, =
and cleared out all the small bushes and stumps. I walked this widen =
area and witnessed that there are several corridors/roads coming off =
this main corridor going into the bog. There is a lot of woodpecker =
signs all over this area.  (HEAVY WOODPECKER SIGN MIGHT BE AN INDICATOR =
OF HEALTH ISSUES WITH TREES, ADDED BY TOM) I can safely bet that in the =
next few days the loggers will be in there clearing this bog out.  To =
get an idea what this area will look like when the logging is done is to =
visit places like all the bend on Owl Avenue, along Co. Rd 133, along =
Co. 319 ( Stone Lake Rd.) and several other places.  ALSO there is blue =
paint on many trees along Owl Avenue. This MIGHT be a sign the state is =
just going to widen the ditch (or improve the road?) or possibly next =
winter log this area out as well. There is a entry road into the east =
side of Owl Avenue bog on the north end near Co. Rd 52.  So this area =
looks like it might be logged out as well. This is same area Conn. =
Warblers were nesting.  If you know nest site you maybe able to get that =
saved, Tom


    I know some birders are working to nominate the Sax Zim bog as an =
Important Bird Area but by the time this nomination is announced this =
unique area there will NOT be a important bird area but instead a good =
area for growing hay and making meth! (That is sesationalism, false and =
ranting, Tom) I am upset with losing more habitat to loggers but there =
is nothing to do but accept this loss and move on. (You contradict your =
later statement)  I just wish groups who are involve with this area or =
people who been here who know what to do would help me contact the right =
people ( I need email addresses ) and I wish this group stop =
concentrating on the economics/tourist aspect in their meetings and =
instead concentrate on protecting the bog and its habitat and put all =
their energy into contacting state officials to stop this logging.  (I =
believe the state goes through a management planning process, that would =
have been the time to voice your objections, every 5-10 years).  If =
anyone knows the right people to contact please email me as I will do =
what I can to stop or at least slow down the logging.  Birders we are =
going to lose the bog (the bog will still be there it will be better =
hunting habitat for owls), we are going to lose Conn. Warblers, Boreal =
Chickadees (maybe better habitat in 15-30 years) , Gray Jays, Great Gray =
Owls, and other boreal species.  Some of the bog has orchids in them as =
well. We are going to lose everything that makes this place so wonderful =
to us birders.  (Maybe you could influence the number of snags live and =
dead that are left for perching) There arguments against this may =
include Insect and disease considerations (mistletoe) they can pick =
mistletoe free areas to reserve patches.  If the trees are to big in =
these patches they will blow down eventually anyways.  If they reserve =
tamarack this will make better great grey owl habitat  (nesting) in the =
future and it is mistletoe resistent.  There other argument is that =
snags maybe hazardous to aerial seeding operations.  That would be =
poppycock or something like that.  You could argue that aerial seeding =
is not necessary that in all probability the site will regenerate with =
the seed and cones present on the site.  Aerial seeding tends to =
overstock the site (this depends on seedbed partially).  I am not =
familiar with the site but would be happy to meet with you at the site =
to explain silviculture (the art and science of growing trees) in the =
bogs sometime when I am passing through that way.

  You do not give me good descriptions of the "bog"   Reserve strips =
(along roads) are another option (they eventually blow down) also, that =
would appease 99% of people but hide what forestry is all about.  If the =
trees are tall enough to land in the road it is another hazard and =
management hassle.  The site will regenerate except maybe where the =
landings are and the landings will regenerate more slowly than the bulk =
of the site.

    =20

    If you would like to help me please reply and if you know emails of =
the right people to contact please contact me as well. Someone has to =
make a stand against this logging and dammit I am going to fight this!
  The new DNR Forestry Director was the Saint Louis County Land =
Commissioner up till last year.  Go into the DNR web site.  He  should =
be familiar with the bog? and its issues (but he will have someone else =
write the letter probably). I would give you his name but I do not want =
to get in hassles. The above clue should be adequate.  My comments here =
are not to be taken as support for anything you plan to do concerning =
timber sales or land management practices.  I have given you a couple =
good suggestions to improve the habitat for raptors and a few other =
birds. =20
  Without the death of one forest a new forest cannot be reborn (unless =
your planting open areas)
  Tom
   =20

    Michael Hendrickson
    Duluth, Minnesota
    Minnesota Birding Treks
    http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/
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<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
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  <DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
  <DIV=20
  style=3D"BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: =
black"><B>From:</B>=20
  <A title=3Dreforest@wiktel.com href=3D"mailto:reforest@wiktel.com">Tom =

  Crumpton</A> </DIV>
  <DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A =
title=3Dsmithville4@charter.net=20
  href=3D"mailto:smithville4@charter.net">Mike Hendrickson</A> ; <A=20
  title=3Dmou-net@cbs.umn.edu =
href=3D"mailto:mou-net@cbs.umn.edu">MOU-Net</A> </DIV>
  <DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, January 16, 2006 =
2:11=20
  PM</DIV>
  <DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: [mou] Sax Zim Bog=20
  Sunday</DIV>
  <DIV><BR></DIV>
  <DIV>Mike <BR>The loggers have to freeze the road down before they can =
move=20
  in.&nbsp; One rule of thumb (a fairly accurate one) is that you have =
to have=20
  the road plowed before January 15th in order to get sufficient frost =
in the=20
  ground.&nbsp; That is enough frost to move trucks that weigh 80,000 =
plus=20
  pounds when loaded across the bog.&nbsp; <BR><BR>So "Your =
loggers"&nbsp; will=20
  not be moving in for a little while yet.<BR>They might not even move =
in this=20
  year.&nbsp; <BR><U><B><BR>This is the hardest winter loggers have seen =
in=20
  Northern MN&nbsp; in the 25+ years I have been working the bogs =
here.&nbsp;=20
  </B></U><BR><BR>The DNR has a natural heritage database that lists =
significant=20
  orchids and other natural heritage info. they deem significant.&nbsp; =
Contact=20
  Sharron Nelson and know the legal description for where you want data=20
  for.&nbsp;&nbsp; If anyone discovers things they think maybe should be =
listed=20
  they can let the DNR know I would suggest the wildlife manager for the =
local=20
  area.&nbsp; I am a <U>private consultant </U>with some knowledge of =
the=20
  state.&nbsp; By the way what orchids are you referring to????&nbsp; =
Why is=20
  this bog you describe unique?&nbsp; </DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" =
size=3D2></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; =
BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px"><FONT=20
  face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>THIS BOG LOCATED ALONG MCDAVITT ROAD =
IS NOT JUST=20
  UNIQUED TO ME BUT TO MANY BIRDERS FROM ALL OVER THE U.S. WHO VISITED =
THIS BOG=20
  TO LOOK FOR THE THREE-TOED WOODPECKER AND BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS. =
MANY ALSO=20
  SEARCHED THIS AREA FOR BOREAL CHICKADEES AND ALSO FOR ALL THE OTHER =
BOREAL=20
  SPECIES THAT NEST HERE.&nbsp; SO ITS UNIQUED FOR MANY REASONS OTHER =
THAN MY=20
  REASONS.</FONT>
  <DIV><BR><BR>I would suggest that your chances of stopping the current =

  logging&nbsp; are one in a million.&nbsp; There is a state forestry =
office in=20
  Cotton FYI a Mr. Danzl works there I believe.&nbsp; Your best to call =
ahead if=20
  you want someone to be there when you arrive.&nbsp; That office is =
supervised=20
  out of Duluth or Cloquet.&nbsp; Your legislative representatives would =
be your=20
  best bet&nbsp; <U>(but don't tell anyone I said so)</U>.</DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>THANKS I WILL CALL THESE =
PEOPLE AND=20
  ALSO LAURA ERICKSON EMAILED ME AND SHE IS GOING TO TALK ABOUT THIS =
LOGGING=20
  EFFORTS IN HER NEXT RADIO PROGRAM. LAURA'S RADIO SHOW "FOR THE BIRDS" =
ATTRACTS=20
  HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF BIRDERS FROM ALL OVER.&nbsp; I WILL ALSO =
CONTACT=20
  SAM COOK AND SEE IF HE IS INTERESTED IN DOING A STORY ON THIS =
LOGGING.&nbsp;=20
  </FONT><BR><BR><B><BIG><I><U>The reality of the picture you present is =
that=20
  logging created almost all of the wildlife habitat, roads and trails =
that you=20
  use to earn money guiding birders.=20
  =
</U></I></BIG></B></DIV><B><BIG><EM><U></U></EM></BIG></B></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; =
BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px"><BIG><FONT=20
  size=3D3></FONT></BIG>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>EXPLAIN HOW LOGGING HAS =
CREATED A BOG=20
  TO ME ESPECIALLY A FLOATING BOG?&nbsp; I MIGHT HAVE OT QUESTION YOU =
ABOUT THE=20
  ROADS SINCE MOST IF NOT ALL OF THEM ARE CROSS SECTION ROADS THAT RUN =
EAST WEST=20
  AND NORTH SOUTH IN MILE SECTIONS.&nbsp; THERE IS NO TRAILS UP THERE =
EXCEPT THE=20
  SNOW MOBILE TRAIL OVER BY TOIVOLA.</FONT><BR><BR>Logging and the =
associated=20
  industries (paper, OSB board and lumber) are still a large part of =
northern=20
  Minnesotas economy.<BR>Granted guiding and servicing bird watchers is =
a=20
  growing segment.&nbsp; <BR><BR>When you attack other independent =
people and=20
  employers its a bad reflection on you.&nbsp; Loggers are pretty =
independent,=20
  most of the ones that have survived are pretty good and conscientious =
about=20
  their jobs.&nbsp; I have watched the decline of the small farmer (the=20
  extinction of the dairy farmer in this area) and I am glad that there =
are=20
  still independent people that survive through hard work as well as =
brains=20
  (loggers).&nbsp; The number of logging operations has declined over =
50% in the=20
  last 28 years as well.&nbsp; Loggers capacity to harvest wood has =
increased=20
  substantially in that same time frame.&nbsp; Less employees and more =
debt for=20
  equipment (at least the banks get richer).&nbsp; </DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>I NEVER SAID I WAS ANTI =
LOGGING DID=20
  I?&nbsp; I AM THOUGH CONCERN ABOUT LOSING HABITAT THAT I KNOW IS VERY =
FRAGILE.=20
  I ALSO READ THAT BOGS IN THE NORTHERN MINNESOTA ARE DECLINING.&nbsp; I =
WORKED=20
  WITH PEOPLE WHO LOGGED IN THE WINTER WHEN THEY GOT LAYED OFF DURING =
THE WINTER=20
  AS A ROOFER.&nbsp; I KNOW LOGGERS AND YES THEY ARE GOOD HARD WORKING =
PEOPLE=20
  BUT AGAIN I AM CONCERN THAT TO MUCH OF THE BOG IS GETTING LOGGED OUT =
IN SAX=20
  ZIM. IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THAT?</FONT><BR><BR>Logging and the =

  associated industrial value added jobs are a large segment of the =
better=20
  paying jobs in certain parts of Northern Minnesota.<BR><BR>The forests =
of=20
  Northern Mn are a renewable resource.&nbsp; How many acres of forest =
are lost=20
  to the sprawl of cities and small site development (this includes the=20
  conversion of farm land (that was once forest)).&nbsp; I think you =
will find=20
  that this causes a <U>much greater</U> <U><B>loss of forests and =
habitat=20
  </B></U>in MN than logging.&nbsp; <BR><BR>Maybe I should complain and =
say the=20
  city should grow up instead of out?????&nbsp; yeah right.<BR><BR>There =
is no=20
  question logging changes wildlife habitat.&nbsp; What hurts one =
species favors=20
  another.&nbsp; <BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Most Northern Hawk =
owls I=20
  have seen have been pointed out to me by loggers on fresh=20
  cutovers.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Boreal Chickadees seem =
more=20
  prevalent in black spruce that is 15-30 years old than in older=20
  stands.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Is the increase in =
rose=20
  breasted grosbeaks where I live attributable to the increase in aspen =
12-25=20
  years old???&nbsp; <BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Is the increase =

  in&nbsp; indigo buntings attributable to the increase in 6-15 year old =

  aspen??</DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>AHHH BOREAL CHICKADEES IN =
THE SAX ZIM=20
  BOG ARE ASSOCIATED WITH BOGS THAT HAVE CEDARS, BLACK SPRUCE AND =
TAMARACKS.=20
  THERE IS NO 15-30 YEAR OLD STAND OF BLACK SPRUCE IN THE BOG ITS A MIX=20
  BOG.&nbsp; NORTHERN HAWK OWLS ARE NOT LIVING OR NESTING IN A CUT OR =
LOGGED OUT=20
  AREA IN MINNESOTA. THERE ARE ONLY A HANDFUL OF NESTING RECORDS IN =
MINNESOTA.=20
  IF LOGGERS SAW THESE OWLS&nbsp;IN THE CUT OUT AREAS THEY MAY OF BEEN =
USING=20
  THESE&nbsp;OPEN AREAS FOR HUNTING PURPOSES.&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;<BR><BR>I can imagine the impression you left with the =
people from=20
  Ill.&nbsp; It is to bad it was such a one sided one.</DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>THE PEOPLE I GUIDED NOR THE =
PEOPLE I=20
  SAW THERE (10-15 OTHER BIRDERS) NEVER MAY ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THE =
LOGGING OR=20
  POTENTIAL LOGGING IN THIS AREA. SO THERE WAS NO ONE SIDED ARGUEMENTS =
BEING=20
  MADE.</FONT><BR><BR>There is a million acre conference in Duluth the =
second=20
  w/e of February.&nbsp; The focus of the conference will be forestry =
and=20
  wildlife.&nbsp; It would be an opportunity for you to learn a broader=20
  perspective and it is in your home town I believe.<BR><BR>If your so =
anti=20
  logging maybe you should buy land and protect it.&nbsp; There is a =
sustainable=20
  forest incentive act (SFIA) program that will pay roughly $4.32 per =
acre per=20
  year to help you afford to keep it.</DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>WHERE IN THE HELL DID I =
EVER MENTIONED=20
  IN MY EMAIL I WAS ANTI LOGGING?&nbsp; OH BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT A =
CERTAIN BOG=20
  THAT ISABOUT TO BE LOGGED OUT YOU ARE ASSUMING I AM A TREE HUGGER OR =
RADICAL=20
  ENVIRONMENTALIST.&nbsp; YOU ARE REACHING ON THIS STATEMENT OR COMMENTS =
ABOUT=20
  ME AS A PERSON AND MY BELIEFS!</FONT><BR><BR>But if you want to manage =
it=20
  (which may include logging) let me know I will help you get the best =
price for=20
  your wood and&nbsp; we can manage it for whatever species (be it trees =
or=20
  wildlife) you would like that&nbsp; is suitable for the area.&nbsp; I =
work on=20
  a percentage basis (of timber sale receipts) usually.&nbsp; Therefore =
it will=20
  not cost you a penny out of your pocket and it will probably be very=20
  lucrative.&nbsp; Let me know soon though because I am booked into =
summer with=20
  writing forest and wildlife management plans (as well as timber sales) =
for=20
  landowners who desire to manage their lands.&nbsp; Timber sale =
receipts are=20
  subject to capital gain tax rates and the basis can be =
subtracted&nbsp; from=20
  income also.<BR><BR><U><B>The bird report from the borderland =
(beautiful Rainy=20
  River)</B></U><BR><U><B><BIG>STILL HOSTING</BIG></B></U><BR>60+ =
evening=20
  grosbeaks (here AM and well into PM)<BR>good numbers of pine =
grosbeaks,=20
  <BR>downy and hairy wood peckers, <BR>pine siskins<BR>chickadees,=20
  <BR>nuthatches (both kinds), <BR>eagles (river is wide open a very =
rare=20
  occurrence in January)<BR>occasional gray jay</DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>KEEP ENJOYING THOSE EVENING =
GROSBEAKS=20
  BECAUSE OF THE CONSTANT HABITAT LOSS TO THESE BIRDS YOUR 60+ THIS YEAR =
WILL NO=20
  DOUBT SLIDE TO 20+ A FEW YEARS FROM =
NOW!</FONT><BR><BR>Mike,<BR><U><B>Last=20
  year you <BIG><BIG>ranted</BIG></BIG> about local people ragging on =
you and=20
  others for setting people up on county roads with spotting scopes, =
cameras and=20
  binoculars</B></U> to look at local peoples bird feeders.&nbsp; I kind =
of get=20
  the feeling&nbsp; you probably did not ask permission as a =
<B>courtesy</B>=20
  first (because you figured you could be on a public road and do what =
ever you=20
  wanted).&nbsp; If people set up cameras with huge lenses and spotting =
scopes=20
  outside my house without asking I might be a little pissed.&nbsp; If I =

  was&nbsp; elderly I would probably be paranoid or scared.&nbsp; =
<BR>Most=20
  people live rurally for a variety of reasons.&nbsp; <BR>One of which =
is=20
  privacy.<BR>Another is to enjoy wildlife (Bird feeder).<BR>I would not =
fault=20
  those people for one second for calling the police about peeping =
Mike's or=20
  harassment.&nbsp; I&nbsp; am pretty sure they would be successful in =
pursuing=20
  a court order in keeping you and your customers away from their homes =
(but I=20
  am not a lawyer).&nbsp; I believe the road safety issue was addressed =
last=20
  year.<BR>Road safety on many roads is an issue in MN especially in the =
winter=20
  time.&nbsp; Roads where logging trucks haul and local people travel =
should be=20
  left passable, clear and safe when stopping for viewing birds.&nbsp; =
</DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" =
size=3D2></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; =
BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>WHAT IN THE HELL DOES THIS =
HAS TO DO=20
  WITH MY TOPIC ABOUT INFORMING PEOPLE ABOUT THE LOGGING IN THE SAX ZIM=20
  BOG?&nbsp; FIRST I WAS TALKING ABOUT ST. LOUIS COUNTY ROAD 7 WHICH IS =
A TWO=20
  LANE ROAD THAT LINKS MANY OF THE COMMUNITIES WITH EVELETH AND THE =
EVELETH=20
  MINE. VERY RARELY IF EVER LOGGING TRUCKS USE THIS ROAD AS THEY USE =
HIGHWAY 53=20
  FOR THEIR TRAVEL WHICH THEN THE LOGGERS USE HIGHWAY 33 TO CLOQUET TO =
THE PAPER=20
  MILL WHERE MY BROTHER-IN LAW WORKS AND WHERE I BUILT A LOT OF THEIR =
FLAT ROOFS=20
  WHEN THEY EXPANDED ( ANTI LOGGING ! RIGHT).&nbsp; I ALSO CALLED THE =
COUNTY=20
  SHERIFF TO LOOK INTO MY RIGHTS TO USE A PUBLIC ROAD TO VIEW WILDLIFE =
AND I=20
  FOUND OUT IT WAS WITHIN MY RIGHT.&nbsp; I ALSO USED THE 8 FOOT =
SHOULDERS TO=20
  PARK MY CAR WHEN I STOPPED TO LOOK AT THEIR FEEDERS.&nbsp; THERE WAS =
NEVER A=20
  ISSUE OF PUBLIC SAFETY OR KEEPING THE ROAD OPEN. OVIOUSLY TOM COMPTON =
NEVER=20
  VISITED THIS AREA LAST YEAR OR ELSE HE WOULD OF GOTTEN HIS FACTS =
RIGHT!&nbsp;=20
  I GOT RESPONSES ABOUT THAT EMAIL AND BY THE WAY TOMMY I GOT 2 PEOPLE =
WHO WERE=20
  UPSET WITH MY EMAIL AND THE REST THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD EMAIL AND I =
SPOKE THE=20
  TRUTH ABOUT THIS PARTICUALR RESIDENT. THIS WOMAN THOUGHT VISITING =
BIRDERS WERE=20
  STEALING HER MAIL!&nbsp; ALSO BIRDERS BY FAR CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH MONEY =
TO THIS=20
  AREA THAT CAFES THAT NORMALLY LAYED OFF EMPOYEES WERE WORKING ALL =
WINTER LONG.=20
  SOME PLACES LIKE MEADOWLANDS WERE HAPPY WITH ALL THE BIRDERS. I JUST =
WAS=20
  ANNOYED BY THE FEW EGG HEADS THAT TOSSED BEER BOTTLES AT BIRDERS, =
SWERVED AT=20
  THEM AND HONKED THEIR HORNS, STOPPED BY THEM AND GLARED AT THEM WHOLE =
SHAKING=20
  A FIST AT THEM.&nbsp; SOME SHOT SHOT GUNS OUTSIDE TO SCARE THEM OFF =
THE PUBLIC=20
  ROADS.&nbsp; OVERALL HUNDREDS OF BIRDERS ENJOYED THEMSELVES UP IN THE =
SAX ZIM=20
  BOG. </FONT></DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>I AM FAIRLY CERTAIN =
YOU&nbsp; JUST=20
  BROUGHT THIS UP TO JUST PISS ME OFF AND TURN THE ATTENTION AWAY FROM =
LOGGING=20
  BUT TO ME INSTEAD.&nbsp; WHY IS THAT?</FONT></DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic =
Sans MS"=20
  size=3D2></FONT><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2></FONT>
  <DIV><BR><BR>I realize full well that the majority of people on this =
list=20
  serve might see things Mike's way.&nbsp; It is good to have people who =
are a=20
  little radical (or loud) to keep our perspectives open and to educate =
us as to=20
  different viewpoints.&nbsp; I guess that is part of my reason for =
answering=20
  his email.&nbsp; The forestry profession has not&nbsp; educated people =
to the=20
  degree they should have. It is accepted that foresters were the first=20
  environmentalists (aldo leopold, I might argue that natives or =
aboriginals in=20
  other areas were). &nbsp; Many environmental organizations mislead and =

  misinform to scare people into supporting their causes.&nbsp; =
<BR>Scare=20
  tactics, sensationalism and polarized viewpoints seem to be the way =
things are=20
  done more commonly now.&nbsp; </DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>WAS MY EMAIL A SCARE TACTIC =
OR WAS I=20
  JUST REPORTING A EVENT THAT MAY EFFECT ALL OF US?&nbsp; I AM FAIRLY =
CERTAIN I=20
  WAS JUST REPORTING A EVENT IN THE SAX ZIM BOG AND I WAS LOOKING FOR =
SOME HELP=20
  FROM THOSE THAT MIGHT BE JUST AS CONCERN AS I.&nbsp; THIS AREA IS LIKE =
MY=20
  BACKYARD. I SPEND SO MUCH TIME UP HERE AND I LOVE IT.&nbsp; I REMEMBER =
THE=20
  TUNNEL EFFECT OF THE TREES AT THE BEND OF OWL AVENUE, I REMEMBER THE =
CEDAR=20
  STANDS AND SPRUCE STANDS ALONG 133.&nbsp; I REMEMBER THE SPRUCE AND =
TAMARACKS=20
  ALONG STONE LAKE ROAD THAT WAS HOME TO CONN WARBLERS AND BLACK-BACKED=20
  WOODPECKERS.&nbsp; I AM TIRED OF STANDING AROUND AND SEEING PLACES I =
WAS ONCE=20
  KNEW TO BE FLATTEN OUT FOR TOILET PAPER!&nbsp; HELL THE WOOD CANNOT BE =
THAT=20
  GREAT SINCE MOST OF IT WAS INFECTED WITH SPRUCE BUD WORM.&nbsp; I KNOW =
TOM IS=20
  GOING TO CREDIT THAT ALL THE TOILET PAPER COMES FROM THE WOOD FROM SAX =

  ZIM.&nbsp; I JUST WANT MY LITTLE PIECE OF THE BOG TO BE LEFT =
ALONG!&nbsp; WHAT=20
  IN THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THAT!</FONT></DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans =
MS"=20
  size=3D2></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; =
BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px"><FONT=20
  face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>TOM YOU TOOK A LITTLE EMAIL AND MADE =
IT INTO SOME=20
  HUGE ISSUE AND ITS NOT.&nbsp; ALL I WAS DOING WAS SHARING THE EVENTS =
OF WHAT=20
  IS GOING ON IN THE BOG! A PLACE THAT OVIOUSLY YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT. I =
DO AND=20
  I KNOW OTHERS DO AS WELL.</FONT>
  <DIV><BR><BR>Fortunately I lead a protected (insulated) life.&nbsp; I =
do host=20
  bird watchers (best place in state for evening grosbeaks)(also fisher =
people)=20
  and profesional photographers occasionally so contact me if your in =
the=20
  neighborhood (350 miles&nbsp; no. of cities).&nbsp; You will not find =
my=20
  feeders adjacent to any public roadway.</DIV>
  <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
  <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>THERE ARE A LOT OF FEEDERS =
IN SAX ZIM=20
  AND IN DULUTH THAT HOST EVENING GROSBEAKS. PLACES LIKE ISABELLA HAS =
EVENING=20
  GROSBEAKS AND ALSO KIM RISEN AND CINDY RISEN HAVE A GREAT FEEDER THAT =
HOST=20
  EVENING GROSBEAKS. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TRAVEL 300-400 MILES TO SEE =
THESE=20
  BIRDS!!</FONT></DIV>
  <DIV><BR>I own my own business and am a private forestry and wildlife =
(this=20
  includes birds and other species) consultant.&nbsp; I assist people =
with=20
  managing their lands and have worked in Northern MN for over 25 =
years.&nbsp; I=20
  also do some limited teaching and guiding in natural resources.&nbsp; =
I have=20
  walked in bogs for 25 plus years (maybe I am nuts when I reflect on =
that=20
  fact).<BR>Woods &amp; Wildlife Forestry &amp; Real Estate =
Services<BR>Have a=20
  great week<BR>Tom Crumpton<BR><BR>Please excuse my long defense and =
attempt at=20
  educating people who have not had the opportunity to live, work, learn =
and=20
  coexist with the surroundings that I have had. <BR><BR>Mike =
Hendrickson=20
  wrote:<BR></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; =
BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
  <BLOCKQUOTE cite=3Dmid003301c61ab6$354bfbe0$d099bf44@FAMILYCOMPUTER=20
    type=3D"cite"><META content=3D"MSHTML 6.00.2900.2802" =
name=3DGENERATOR>
    <STYLE></STYLE>

    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>Was out guiding a couple =
from=20
    Illinois.</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>Birds seen:</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>-Northern Hawk Owl along =
Stone Lake=20
    Rd and McDavitt Rd.</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>-Boreal Chickadees along =
Co. Rd=20
    52</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>-Gray Jays (every =
where)</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>-Northern =
Shrike</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>-Snow Buntings along Co. =
7. A small=20
    flock of 30 1/4 mi. north of Byrne's Greenhouse &amp; a flock of 150 =
at the=20
    Malmberg Sod Farms south of Byrne's Greenhouse. These were seen from =

    3-4pm</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>-Pine Grosbeaks &amp; =
Evening=20
    Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls at a few feeders</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>-Common Redpoll along =
Blue Spruce=20
    Rd.&nbsp; A large flock of 200+ birds feeding on the =
Tamaracks.</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>* The Black-backed =
Woodpeckers that=20
    were reported several times along McDavitt. Rd (2.5 miles north of =
Co. Rd=20
    28-Sax Rd) were not found by my group nor all the other birders that =
tried=20
    to locate these birds.</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS"=20
    =
size=3D2>BUT-------------------------------------------------------------=
-------------------------------------------------------------------------=
--------</FONT></DIV>
    <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>This unique =
<U><B>(????)</B></U> bog=20
    along McDavitt Rd.&nbsp;is in DANGER! Many of those that hiked =
around this=20
    area last year remember that on the east side opposite of all those =
snowshoe=20
    trails was a open corridor into the bog. This corridor is the same =
corridor=20
    that I warned others in this listserve that =
this&nbsp;road&nbsp;looks like a=20
    sign for&nbsp;future logging. WELL&nbsp;yesterday a bulldozer worked =
all day=20
    in Sunday widening the corridor, and cleared out all the small =
bushes and=20
    stumps. I walked this widen area and&nbsp;witnessed that there are =
several=20
    corridors/roads coming off this main corridor going into the bog. =
There is a=20
    lot of woodpecker signs all over this area.&nbsp; <U><B>(HEAVY =
WOODPECKER=20
    SIGN MIGHT BE AN INDICATOR OF HEALTH ISSUES WITH TREES, ADDED BY=20
    TOM)</B></U> I can safely bet that in the next few days the loggers =
will be=20
    in there clearing this&nbsp;bog out.&nbsp; To get an idea what this =
area=20
    will look like when the logging is done is to visit places like =
all&nbsp;the=20
    bend on Owl Avenue, along Co. Rd 133, along Co. 319 ( Stone Lake =
Rd.) and=20
    several other places.&nbsp; ALSO there is blue paint on many trees =
along Owl=20
    Avenue. This&nbsp;MIGHT be a sign the state is just going to widen =
the ditch=20
    <U><B>(or improve the road?) </B></U>or possibly next winter log =
this area=20
    out as well. There is a entry road into the east side of Owl Avenue =
bog on=20
    the north end near Co. Rd 52.&nbsp; So this area looks like it might =
be=20
    logged out as well. This is same area Conn. Warblers were =
nesting.&nbsp;=20
    <U><B>If you know nest site you maybe able to get that saved,=20
    Tom</B></U><BR></FONT></DIV>
    <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>I know some&nbsp;birders =
are working=20
    to nominate the&nbsp;Sax Zim bog as an Important Bird Area but by =
the time=20
    this&nbsp;nomination is&nbsp;announced this unique area there =
will&nbsp;NOT=20
    be a important bird area but instead a good area&nbsp;for growing =
hay and=20
    making meth! <U><B>(That is sesationalism, false and ranting, =
Tom)</B></U> I=20
    am upset with losing more habitat to loggers but there is nothing to =
do but=20
    accept this loss and move on. <U><B>(You contradict your later=20
    statement)&nbsp;</B></U> I just wish groups who are involve with =
this area=20
    or people who been here who know what to do would help me contact =
the right=20
    people ( I need email addresses ) and I wish this group stop =
concentrating=20
    on the economics/tourist aspect in their meetings and instead =
concentrate on=20
    protecting the bog and its habitat and put all their energy into =
contacting=20
    state officials to stop this logging.&nbsp; <U><B>(I believe the =
state goes=20
    through a management planning process, that would have been the time =
to=20
    voice your objections, every 5-10 years)</B></U>.&nbsp; If anyone =
knows the=20
    right people to contact please email me as I will do what I can to =
stop or=20
    at least slow down the logging.&nbsp; Birders we are going to lose =
the bog=20
    <U><B>(the bog will still be there it will be better hunting habitat =
for=20
    owls)</B></U>, we are going to lose Conn. Warblers, Boreal =
Chickadees=20
    <U><B>(maybe better habitat in 15-30 years)</B></U> , Gray Jays, =
Great Gray=20
    Owls, and other boreal species.&nbsp; Some of the bog has orchids in =
them as=20
    well. We are going to lose everything that makes this place so =
wonderful to=20
    us birders.&nbsp; <U><B>(Maybe you could influence the number of =
snags live=20
    and dead that are left for perching) There arguments against this =
may=20
    include Insect and disease considerations (mistletoe) they can pick=20
    mistletoe free areas to reserve patches.&nbsp; If the trees are to =
big in=20
    these patches they will blow down eventually anyways.&nbsp; If they =
reserve=20
    tamarack this will make better great grey owl habitat&nbsp; =
(nesting) in the=20
    future and it is mistletoe resistent.&nbsp; There other argument is =
that=20
    snags maybe hazardous to aerial seeding operations.&nbsp; That would =
be=20
    poppycock or something like that.&nbsp; You could argue that aerial =
seeding=20
    is not necessary that in all probability the site will regenerate =
with the=20
    seed and cones present on the site.&nbsp; Aerial seeding tends to =
overstock=20
    the site (this depends on seedbed partially).&nbsp; I am not =
familiar with=20
    the site but would be happy to meet with you at the site to explain=20
    silviculture (the art and science of growing trees) in the bogs =
sometime=20
    when I am passing through that=20
  way.</B></U><BR></FONT></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><U><B>You do not give me =
good=20
  descriptions of the "bog"&nbsp;&nbsp; Reserve strips (along roads) are =
another=20
  option (they eventually blow down) also, that would appease 99% of =
people but=20
  hide what forestry is all about.&nbsp; If the trees are tall enough to =
land in=20
  the road it is another hazard and management hassle.&nbsp; The site =
will=20
  regenerate except maybe where the landings are and the landings will=20
  regenerate more slowly than the bulk of the site.</B></U><BR>
  <BLOCKQUOTE cite=3Dmid003301c61ab6$354bfbe0$d099bf44@FAMILYCOMPUTER=20
    type=3D"cite"><DIV> <BR></DIV>
    <DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>If you would like to help =
me please=20
    reply and if you know emails of the right people to contact please =
contact=20
    me as well. Someone has to make a stand against this logging and =
dammit I am=20
    going to fight this!</FONT></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><U><B>The new DNR =
Forestry=20
  Director was the Saint Louis County Land Commissioner up till last =
year.&nbsp;=20
  Go into the DNR web site.&nbsp; He&nbsp; should be familiar with the =
bog? and=20
  its issues (but he will have someone else write the letter probably). =
I would=20
  give you his name but I do not want to get in hassles. The above clue =
should=20
  be adequate.&nbsp; My comments here are not to be taken as support for =

  anything you plan to do concerning timber sales or land management=20
  practices.&nbsp; I have given you a couple good suggestions to improve =
the=20
  habitat for raptors and a few other birds.&nbsp; <BR>Without the death =
of one=20
  forest a new forest cannot be reborn (unless your planting open=20
  areas)<BR></B></U><B>Tom</B><U><B><BR></B></U>&nbsp; <BR>
  <BLOCKQUOTE cite=3Dmid003301c61ab6$354bfbe0$d099bf44@FAMILYCOMPUTER=20
    type=3D"cite"><DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" size=3D2>Michael=20
    Hendrickson<BR>Duluth, Minnesota<BR>Minnesota Birding Treks<BR><A=20
    =
href=3D"http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/">http://webpages.chart=
er.net/mmhendrickson/</A></FONT></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></=
HTML>

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