FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] CBBT

["David O. Matson" <d.matson@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

To all,
Thank you to John Fox for bringing the new CBBT birding procedures to my
attention.

I wish to emphasize how radically different the newly posted procedures
are from what was announced just a few months ago: access in two
categories, groups and vetted cardholders VS no access whatsoever.

My own correspondence with Mr. Kellam was formal, cogent and respectful
(describing his part, hopefully reflecting my part).

The series of CBBT posts contains a number of valuable threads, not the
least of which is a sense of frustration and loss. Ned's post contains a
number of important--game-breaker/key--points. On only one do have a
smidgen of difference: I do believe the image of the CBBT is important
to CBBT Supervisors and some CBBT employees. Afterall, CBBT does
advertise nationally with paid pages in birding magazines. Those
activities surely are reviewed and approved year to year.

In the listed new procedures, note also the last words "the birding
committee". The actions of some on our behalf and so many who
corresponded with the Supervisors has brought recognition that now is
formalized under a new policy considered to be compatible with a higher
intensity of security procedures. Unless a new 9/11 occurs, is there a
likelihood that more stringent procedures will follow? I hope and expect
not.

All of us who follow politics know how important it is to raise the
negatives of the opponent. This is a simple psychological principal: we
remember long and longer the negative experiences we have with someone;
we remember the positive experiences less intensely. (Why is that?!) We
also tend to generalize to category/group our negative experiences: all
Repubocrats are bad because Politico Smith rubbed me the run way. The
message for us is to ensure that the CBBT does not have negative
experiences with birders. Those negative experiences triggered by one or
a few will be generalized to all of us.

As a positive step going forward, I suggest we take two paths, both
practical:

1. organize a group of birders to visit the CBBT. Communicate ahead of
time with the Public Relations folks (who sent out letters previously)
about what the steps now are, allow plenty of time to be sure every t is
crossed, allow plenty of communication to occur for uncertainties to be
addressed before arrival. Report back to this listserv the experience.
Keep the "birding committee" in the loop on all of these approaches.

2. candidate scientists/researchers initiate a request for a permit
under that category. Follow the same procedures of respectful approach,
measured timeline, probing questions with uncertainties, report of
experience, keeping the birding committee in the loop.

Finally, who are the members of the "birding committee" and contact
information for them?

Lastly, now that the birding committee is recognized, cement that
recognition in the process of 1 and 2 above with comments like, "maybe
the birding committee can draw up some guidelines". [I'm thinking about
"who is a researcher/scientist?" In my book, the Editor of American
Birds is a researcher/scientist, esp. on the CBBT, for who more had
contributed to understanding of birds there, at least in the last 10
years?] It will not harm to have our advocates continually recognized
and the "go to" persons for our interests.

Do I like these new procedures? No way! But I'm living today's reality
not last year's.

Hope this helps.

DOM

David, Chris and Erin Matson (Nicole at school)
2024 Fairway Drive
Suffolk, Virginia 23433
d.matson@xxxxxxxxxxx

Que no haya novedad!



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