Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2000 09:01:01 EDT Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Gail Mackiernan Subject: Re: Kinder Park In-Reply-To: Message of Tue, 12 Sep 2000 08:48:24 -0400 from Hi Linda -- Couple of things -- have you contacted MOS Conservation Commitee for assistance? They will help if locals ask for it. Figures to present: In Maryland, for last year for which we have statisti cs, "wildlife watching" (a considerable proportion of which is birdwatching i n all its forms, from feeder-watching to twitching) had an economic benefit of $400 million. In comparison, hunting contributed about $80 million. (T his from USFWS data -- I think it is for 1996 or 1997). The value of non-consumptive wildlife related activities is growing. Bird - watching is the only outdoor activity growing faster than the general population (USFWS again). Butterfly-watching is also growing as a hobby. Meadows and meadow flora are vital to breeding and migrating butterflies, and loss of these habitats is affecting populations. Similarly, in Maryland and throughout the east, grassland species of birds are being hammered by loss of habitat, due to development, changes in farming practices, and conversion of rough fields, pastures and meadows to more "managed" areas, either through changes in crops or by unenlightened management of public lands that favors the "mowed" look. Most recent NWF newsletter has good article on importance of these areas to wildlife -- try to get a copy before the meeting. Check ABA web site for more details on economic benefit of birdwatching. One thing that we as birders need to do is to get involved in management of local parks, and try to be proactive as best we can. But be reactive when we have to! (Like now...) Gail Mackiernan Conservation Chair, Montgomery Co. MOS ======================================================================== To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================== ==========================================================================