Hi all,
Today's meeting of the CBBT Commission could not have been better from the
perspective of the birding community. Public comments were solicited, with no
time limits stipulated, and many folks spoke in favor of continuing to allow
birders access to the 2, 3, and 4 islands. Among those were Bob Ake, Teta
Kain,
Peggy Waterfield, Bruce Doyle, Jane Frigo, Bob Loomis, Anne Wheeley, and
myself (apologies if I left anyone out!). A half-dozen others were in
attendance,
and they provided both moral support and a visual representation to the
Commission that we are a diverse group of people. Comments covered ground of
many
sorts - security issues, the birding culture and its history on the CBBT, the
value of data gathered there, and the opportunities for birders to make even
stronger contributions than we currently do to the security of the CBBT. All
comments appeared to be well received. Because discussions of security issues
must occur behind closed doors, we retreated to the lobby until after the clos
ed-door session.
After about 40 minutes, we were welcomed back to the chamber, where we heard
a motion by Commissioner Elizabeth Psimas of Portsmouth that the permission to
bird on the northern three islands be extended through at least 10 May 2005
and during that time that the Commission elect two Members to form a
subcommittee that would partner with bird group representatives to come up with
proposals (for the next [10 May] Commission meeting) that would balance the
need for
security on the facility with the desire of the birding community to retain
some form of access to the facility's northern three islands. Bill Fitzgerald
of
Newport News and Wanda Thornton of Accomack County both appeared to be very
supportive of our mission, and the rest of the Commission voted unanimously in
favor of the motion (no abstentions).
The Commissioners, and Chairman Kellam as well, treated us with every
courtesy. They let us know from the outset that we were partners in a
dialogue, that
no door was closed at this stage, and that they wanted to hear our input, as
much as we cared to share. In addition to 20 minutes of comments, they
received what appeared to be over 500 pages of letters from concerned citizens
and
bird groups. The spirit of open dialogue, cooperation, and sympathy on both
sides was remarkable. It was our impression that we have no reason to see this
as a situation of conflict, at all, at this stage. Rather, there are real
concerns on both sides that need to be aired and worked through. I think we
all
left relatively hopeful that a fair compromise will be achievable.
The Commission will be hearing from the VSO, Cape Henry and Virginia Beach
Audubon Societies, the American Birding Association, and other interested
groups
(bird clubs, NAS, Center for Conservation Biology, etc.) through
representatives who meet with Commission members directly in Northampton County
and
elsewhere. Yet to be worked out formally is how other people, especially
birders
with backgrounds in security operations, might contribute ideas to the many
that
have already been discussed informally among today's group of commenters and
Commission Members. When we have a clearer understanding of how such input
might flow (from the CBBT office), it will be posted here and elsewhere. The
situation is tricky and will require creative thinking about reasonable
measures, but surveys tell us that we're a well-educated bunch, so we're
hopeful of
hitting just the right solution in weeks to come.
Thanks to all who got those faxes and emails blazing - I think everyone
involved was overwhelmed by the volume of public input in this regard.
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
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