[Bristol-Birds] Cranewoman delivers art, science, crane management awakening

From: "Wallace Coffey" <jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Bristol-birds" <bristol-birds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:41:33 -0500















 Vickie Henderson brings art, science, crane 
 management awakening to BBC and guests !
 Birders, conservationists and hunters across Tennessee knew in their
  hearts that the proposed season to hunt Sandhill Cranes in southeast
 Tennessee this fall wasn't the right thing to do.  It was not coming down
 to who was for or against hunting.  It all turned on a state management
 plan that did not measure up to top conservation and wildlife considerations
 the eastern population of the species deserves.  A plan that had to be 
carefully
 crafted.  A plan that needed to be vetted by many more experts than
 the staff of wildlife managers at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

 Tuesday night the Bristol Bird Club had a larger crowd on hand to hear what
 many believe is one of the best bird club programs most of us have enjoyed in
 decades -- maybe longer !  It was an hour when the very objective, open 
 and honest Vickie Henderson of Knoxville, TN spoke in earnest with soft
 tones and fair phrases.  

 When the policy-making Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission heard
 both sides, they voted to send the issue back to the boiler room for the
 next two years so wildlifers can reconsider many of the concerns raised
 by the public -- both hunters and wildlife observers.

 Now, folks of a common interest are carrying the same challenge to the
 flyway managers and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.  Kentucky is
 considering a similar season for similar reasons.  Those who oppose the
 hunting of the eastern population of Sandhill Cranes and the wildlife decisions
 and plan shortcomings are rallying to Kentucky.  Tennessee is carrying
 it best and brightest talent to meet the challenge in Kentucky.  A coalition of
 people from many states are gathering along the banks of the mighty
 rivers to pool their science and their expertise.  In the end, it is expected 
the
 right decisions will be made in the best interest of the cranes.

 Henderson won the hearts of the BBC folks with beautiful art and photography.
 Her simple style and simple logic brought a fresh and welcomed approach for 
all.
 
 Henderson carefully explained
 how she had found an exciting
 understanding and appreciation
 for TWRA wildlife managers and
 hunting while traveling with the
 state wildlife biologists on a
 eagle project in a western state.

 Her terms as a chair for a major
 committee of an international
 crane management group brought
 her to the table with top leaders of
 the US Fish & Wildlife Service and
 to meet the Secretary of Interior.
                                                                    
   
Her beautiful and touching sketch books,
from her earliest efforts with drawing and
painting birds were show stoppers.
Birders heard every word as she
read some of her sketch book
margin notes.  It was a walk thru time
with a developing passion, art style,
and fine focus of a creative mind 
learning to impart it all with appealing
and thoughtful images that reach
everyone -- not just art lovers.

                                                                        
Despite trying to avoid the constant prodding
to bring her art prints, note cards, jewelry
and such, she finally brought a box full and
allowed it to be displayed for sale.

For nearly a half hour after the meeting, BBC
members went thru everything carefully and
bought dozens of items totaling several
hundred of dollars.  We were surprised at 
ourselves as much as she was of us.
We did not expect everyone to respond
with such an appreciation and craving for her works of beauty.  It was amazing !

She came early to join a few tables full of birders for dinner at the Mad Greek
Restaurant.  She enjoyed hearing about BBC projects and everyone swapping
stories.
 
Dave Worley briefed BBC members about the work of the club's Golden Eagle
team in Southwest Virginia and, starting this week, in Northeast Tennessee.

President Worley also named a nominating committee which will return with
a slate of officers at the March meeting and then the election will be at the 
April
meeting.  The next term of club officers and leadership will take office at the 
BBC
annual summer picnic.

Rick Knight reminded all of the BBC annual winter Golden Eagle field trip to
Burke's Garden this Saturday with birders gathering at Hardee's in Tazewell,
VA at 9 a.m.

Those attending this February meeting (persons at dinner marked with *)
included: Dave Worley, Diana Worley, Marty Huber, Jo Ann Detta, Remie
Norris, *John Hay, Michele Sparks, *Faye Wagers, *Rick Knight, *Jacki
Hinshaw, *Roy Knispel, *Charles Powell, *Judy Roach, Lois Cox, Wilma
Boy, Ruth Clark, *Wallace Coffey, *Carolyn Coffey, Mary Clark, Michelle 
Villeneuve, Don Leech, Ed Burke, *Fred Martin, *Janice Martin, 
*Vickie Henderson and *Mary Erwin.
[Bristol-Birds] Cranewoman delivers art, science, crane management awakening

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