I have received a request for help from City Wildlife in DC
http://www.citywildlife.org/about.html
Federal money has been allocated for a bike path that originally was slated
to skirt the edges of KAG and the park. The new money has resulted in a
plan to build the bike path along the river and through some grasslands that
the District is trying to establish. A trail already exists along the
river, so a paved trail would not improve birding access, and people
whizzing by would likely hurt it. It would also fragment the grassland,
presumably. City Wildlife intends to petition to retain the previously
suggested bike route, but forgo the new route as it potentially infringes
habitat. You can see the routes at the below website, though you may have
to cut and paste. I've learned the tinyurl weblinks will cause the server
to delay or reject my postings.
http://www.thewashcycle.com/2011/12/draft-environmental-assessment-for-anaco
stia-riverwalk-trails-kenilworth-section-released.html
Note that NO ONE is opposing the bike route, only seeking to make it more
sensitive to wildlife. I can provide City Wildlife's talking points to
anyone interested. If you'd like to get involved, especially if a a DC
resident, please contact Jim Monsma of City Wildlife at
<jim.monsma...> . I have also cc'd him on this.
Kurt Schwarz
Conservation Chair
Maryland Ornithological Society
goawaybird at verizon dot net
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