[Birdtalk] Bear River Refuge Road Project - needs your help

[Matthew J. Williams]

All,
    I think some interesting points have been raised here.  All have been 
valid but tend to be biased based on who the refuge is trying to (or 
should) accommodate.  If it's only birders, unfortunately, the client base 
is relatively small, even if you count out-of-state tourists.  While it may 
be a detriment to birders on some levels (traffic, noise, etc.), it would 
be an overall improvement in access to the refuge. To be fair, dust doesn't 
necessarily help visibility and likely has impacts that are not being 
considered by those that find it rustic.
     While many claim to be bird "watchers", far fewer are birders ready to 
brave the elements, rough roads, etc. to "experience" nature.  To birders, 
that is part of the experience.  To bird "watchers", their feeder and the 
birds that come to it may be more appealing.  "Accessible" or "passable" 
are a matter of opinion.  I, along with most birders, tend to be more 
optimistic about this than the general public who are used to pavement.
      I also agree that closer (to SLC) wetlands access should be improved 
to encourage more usage and outreach.  That said, at this point in the 
game, nothing we share amongst ourselves is going to have much sway.  The 
project is far past the early planning stages, from what I gather.  I'll be 
the first to admit that I'm too reactionary when it comes to some of these 
issues.  Unfortunately, that's where we all sit with this paving issue.  I 
suggest that, if you feel strongly about it, contact the Congressman.  In 
addition, do not hesitate to mention some of the proactive suggestions that 
have been tossed around in this forum.  It will take more than just a 
reactionary effort to implement some of the better 
alternatives.  Unfortunately, at this point, if the funds for the Bear 
River Project are re-allocated, I can safely guarantee that they will not 
automatically end up in any of the good ideas that have been 
mentioned.  The funding for those will require further effort, planning, 
etc.  Keep that congressman's contact info handy: 
<http://robbishop.house.gov/>http://robbishop.house.gov/

Sincerely,
Matt Williams
Midvale, UT