I did attend the hearing, and as advertised this was not a hearing about *
whether* to charge a fee and limit access but to modestly *increase* the
existing fee with no real change to current access restrictions. As I
recall it's a $1 increase for a per day permit (now $6) and $10 (now $70)
for an annual permit. Under 16, over 65, veterans with a service
disability, active duty military on current orders, and WSSC employees and
retirees are either exempt of can get a complimentary permit. New fees go
into effect March 15.
The access limitations (you can bird all you want any time you want from
the picnic grounds, but anywhere else ostensibly requires a permit) are
already part of the regulations for WSSC. Birding was not broken out
separately but considered an "other" activity. They are not, however,
often enforced. This is why most of us have been unaware that a permit was
required.
What *has* changed is that WSSC has listed out and described birdwatching
among the permitted uses of the properties, allowing early and late access
(1/2 hour before and after sunrise/sunset). CBCs are explicitly exempt,
but there is the somewhat troubling note that birders may not use the
trails at any time if they are muddy. This was explained in the meeting
(not very convincingly) as an erosion control measure.
If you look at the regs, you will note that they only cover March
15-November 30. The most confusing discussion occurred when someone asked
(after the hearing technically broke up) about whether that meant the area
was closed during the winter or that a permit wasn't required during the
winter. Two staff gave completely different answers and acknowledged they
would have to check. I suspect the latter, although the area is
periodically closed in the winter for hunting.
Realistically, I find it hard to imagine WSSC will commit more personnel
than presently to roam the properties looking for permit scofflaws, and if
you've been birding unmolested in recent years you probably can continue to
do so. BUT -- there is a fine if circumstances conspire to find you and a
WSSC patrol in the same place at the same time in the absence of your
permit.
On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 10:15 AM, Leslie Starr <turnstar...> wrote:
>
> On Mar 2, 2013, at 10:06 AM, Frank Boyle wrote:
>
>
> In short: what's the big deal? Pay the fee and have fun birding.
>
>
>
> I haven't read all the details, so apologies if I am missing something.
> For me, the issue is not so much paying a fee but whether obtaining access
> permission will be too cumbersome for spontaneous visits.
>
> thanks, Leslie Starr
> Baltimore
>
>
>
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--
Rick Borchelt
College Park, MD
preferred personal email: rborchelt |AT| gmail |DOT| com
http://leplog.wordpress.com
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