Thanks to Ned for the thoughtful and informed view of what is going on at the
CBBT. It was especially enlightening to learn that the people who are fishing
in the area do so without the blessing/cooperation of the CBBT, and instead
fall under the jurisdiction of another agency.
I think that Ned, who I believe downplayed his own role in helping preserve
what at one time looked like a total loss of access, makes eminent good sense,
and I hope that we will try to follow his suggestion. I am in total agreement
that attempts to bully or argue the CBBT into submission will most likely
backfire, and that we are more likely to gain ground if we can gently persuade
them through a cooperative spirit and recognition of their concerns that we can
be given greater freedom without creating an additional security risk or burden
to their staff. I don't foresee a return to the good old days any time soon,
but perhaps they may agree to reduce some of the burdens.
Thanks, Ned.
Eric Jeffrey
Falls Church, VA
-----Original Message-----
From: Phoebetria@xxxxxxx
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wed, 4 Jan 2006 16:12:45 EST
Subject: [va-bird] CBBT: Part 3
Part 3 (please read Parts 1, 2 first)
My personal suggestion would be that such communications involve a "thank you"
to Mr. Holland for the CBBT's turning away from its original decision to
eliminate birding privileges on the northern three islands altogether;
encouragement to get to know birders and our activities first-hand;
encouragement to work with the Birding/Security Committee to find the best
possible way to accommodate the interests of both the birding public and the
Security Division. I would not suggest that people bombard Mr. Holland with
negative comments or even with comments on why the new security measures should
be eliminated. Such a tactic implies that CBBT people have been misguided or
have overreacted. All of the components of the new protocols will be discussed
at coming meetings, and, naturally, all representatives from birding and
conservation groups will lobby as effectively as they can for a relaxation of
the restrictions (as well as the fees associated with administering the new
proto
cols).
Finally: at the state level, there may be macchinations to merge the CBBT Board
with the groups that administer the other bridge-tunnel complexes in the state.
If this occurs, we will probably have a completely different situation with
regard to access privileges. Those of you who have tried to gain access to the
islands of the Monitor-Merrimack BT or the Hampton Roads BT will know what I
mean. For now, we are able to bird relatively freely at the CBBT, though with
an increase in cost and a need to plan in advance. Lamentable as that may be,
we are still allowed access, which may not be the case in the near future. The
wise would do well to enjoy the privilege, warts and all, while it still
exists.
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
