FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Shady Valley bogs temporary closed due watershed dispute.

["Wallace Coffey" <jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx>]

A dispute between Shady Valley residents representing the Shady Valley 
Watershed District
and The Nature Conservancy has caused the temporary posting and closing by TNC 
of Quarry 
Bog and Orchard Bog in Johnson County, TN.

At least three law firms have been hired to represent the interests involved.  

Quarry Bog now has a metal gate mounted on large wooden post across the 
entrance to the area and
the gate has a sign that posts the property as temporarily closed.  There is no 
similar gate across the
main entrance of Orchard Bog but the area is closed and posted behind the stone 
house.  You may
drive into the front parking area.  

A spokesman for TNC has asked that birders and naturalists not enter the areas 
while the closures
remain in effect.  The conservancy hopes to provide access in about 60 days 
which will be in time
for the beginning of early fall migration.

If the closure continues, we will be provided access for fall and Christmas 
counts by permission.

The Nature Conservancy recently found the beaver pond at Quarry Bog drained and 
at least half of about 
500 trees planted on the property had been cut.  The trees had about seven 
years of
growth.  TNC does not know how or exactly when the damage was done and is not 
convinced it
is associated with the dispute.

It would be tremendous if birders and naturalists cooperate with TNC.

Let's go birding......

Wallace Coffey
Bristol, TN