[Birdtalk] Refuge road construction update

[Betsy_Beneke at fws.gov]

Birders:

We were updated (briefly) yesterday on the refuge road resurfacing project.
It WILL commence this spring and summer, with some work likely being done
in 2009 as well.  The road will be elevated in some places, so no doubt
you'll experience those nasty gravel trucks hauling like crazy in spring
and summer.  Complete road closure may not occur until mid June, but it
will be completely closed at least part of the summer.

The project will include hauling gravel to elevate the road, putting in
some new culverts, widening and paving.  The plan still is to begin at our
security gate, which is near the River Delta Interpretive Site (restrooms,
shop area) and continue east, ending (this year) somewhere near the Canada
Goose Club.  A distance of approximately 5 miles - which is the worst part
of the road.  As part of this first phase of work, they will also be
putting in a vehicle turn lane at the wildlife education center driveway,
as well as a bike path that will angle from the north side of Forest
Street, across the grassland area on the north side of the education
center, coming up to our accessible parking area and bike rack.  You may
have noticed that Brigham City did some work last fall and just in the last
2 weeks, on this bike trail, where it come over the I-15 overpass.

The refuge will be providing behind the gates tours on a limited basis
during the time the road project is going.  These tours will be led by
volunteers, so days and times will be set according to when volunteers are
available to lead the trips.  We likely won't have a schedule for another
month or more, but when we do, I'll be sure to share that information.  If
you have any comments or questions, I'm happy to address them.

For birders, I see this project as being both a "pain" AND and
"opportunity."  The more qualified volunteer tour leaders we get, the more
trips we'll be able to offer during June, July and August.  SO, if you have
been thinking about signing up to assist with tours, I'll be very glad to
hear from you.  The necessary training is painless.  I promise.  And you
already know what part of the reward will be...

Betsy Beneke
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
2155 West Forest Street
Brigham City UT  84302
435.734.6436  office
http://bearriver.fws.gov