Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2001 03:43:39 -0400 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM> Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM> From: Norm Saunders <marshhawk@WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Subject: Re: MOS Mute Swan Policy Stance MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Steve Huy writes: > I just received my Yellowthroat today from MOS. I was very pleased with the > MOS letter regarding the Mute Swan Task Force comments. I thought it was > well written and I certainly commend MOS for taking such a stand. The only > thing lacking was a comparison to the starling (someone liked them once and > look what happened)! Keep up the good work and sensible attitude towards > conservation. I was pleased as well, Steve. Maureen Harvey and Karen Morley did a good job on that letter. My hope is that enough other organizations join in to get the attention of the DNR. For those here who are not MOS members (why not????) or who haven't yet received their May Yellowthroat, here is the text of the MOS letter to the Mute Swan Task Force: February 28, 2001 Mute Swan Management Plan MD DNR Wildlife & Heritage Division 580 Taylor Ave., E-1 Annapolis, MD 21401 Re: Comment on the Mute Swan Task Force Recommendations Dear Sirs, The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) was founded in 1945 as a nonprofit, statewide organization of people who are interested in birds and nature. Incorporated in 1946, the MOS promotes the study, enjoyment, appreciation, and conservation of birds and their habitats. MOS currently has 15 chapters spread across the state. Our members represent nearly every social and economic group in the state, from housewives and students to executives, from teachers and farmers to internationally recognized ornithologists and ecologists. Maryland Birdlife, the quarterly journal of the MOS, is a scholarly publication covering the status of birds and their habitat in Maryland. The MOS sponsors a research grant program aimed at supporting studies of birds and bird habitats in and around Maryland. An active scholarship program offers educators and others who work with young people the opportunity to attend programs in ornithology and ecology. MOS is active in conservation efforts at the national, state and local levels. We have been active partners for over eight years in the Maryland Teaming With Wildlife Initiative and have taken a lead role in attempts to get on-going permanent funding for non-game wildlife. We have testified often before the State Legislature on many statewide issues of concern, and will continue to do so. Today I am writing on behalf of MOS to express our very significant concern regarding the rapidly expanding population of non-native mute swans in Maryland and to comment on the Mute Swan Task Force (MSTF) recommendations. First, we commend the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the time and effort it has spent over the last few years researching the problem, compiling the very considerable evidence regarding the seriousness of the problem, and establishing the MSTF. We recognize that DNR knows these birds are a serious problem to the increasingly fragile habitat of the Chesapeake Bay, and has been taking limited, but essentially ineffectual actions, to manage their impact on the region. We also note that other states in the region and across the country have been taking action to manage this invasive species. Their experience should prove valuable to DNR. Second, we are not going to restate the obvious environmental and economic problems that these birds cause. These problems are well documented in the MSTF report and in the Record of Public Comment on the issue, including comments from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (September 25, 2000) and the South River Foundation (September 18, 2000). Third, DNR has spent enough time and money on research and surveys. This species is not just becoming a problem - it is already a very severe problem. It's time for meaningful and effective action. Because the state has waited so long to deal effectively and aggressively with this invasive species, the problem has become of enormous magnitude and only drastic measures will work. Finally, before addressing the recommendations of the MSTF individually, the MOS position regarding mute swans is: DNR should eliminate mute swans from Maryland by whatever means necessary. While DNR personnel should try to manage mute swans with non-lethal methods, when such methods prove to be ineffective, lethal methods, including establishing a hunting season, should be considered. This should be accompanied by a strong public education campaign on the issue. Issue #1: Mute Swans are Inherently Valuable. We disagree. Why would people think they are valuable? Because they are beautiful? To whom? While they may be esthetically pleasing to some human beings, they are not a beautiful animal to the other plant and animal species being destroyed by them....and that is well documented in the MSTF report. No further research on this issue is needed. Broad public education on the issue is needed. There is adequate information in the record upon which to base this educational outreach effort. The place to maintain non-native species is in a Zoo. Issue #2: Mute Swans Impact Native Wildfowl Habitats. We agree and are extremely concerned about this impact. The whole state should be a "Mute Swan Free Zone." The record adequately supports this conclusion. Issue #3: Mute Swans Impact Water Quality. We are very concerned about this problem. However, they cannot impact it if they are not here. Issue #4: There is a Lack of Public Information on Mute Swans. We agree and support a major public education effort. See our comment to Issue #1. Issue #5: Mute Swans Can Conflict with Humans. The record and public comments support this. Removal of mute swans from the state would eliminate potential conflict with humans. Issue #6: The Population of Mute Swans in Maryland is an Issue. The mute swans are already a very serious issue. The MSTF recommendations are not adequate or acceptable. The birds should be eradicated in the state. Issue #7. The Legal Status of Mute Swans is an Issue. We agree with this recommendation. Mute swans should remain "Wetland Game Birds," giving DNR the broadest authority to manage them. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the recommendations of the MSTF. We realize this is a very sensitive issue, but one that is of critical importance in the days and years to come. It is already very very late in the game and we feel it is imperative to take concrete actions now to prevent further degradation of the Chesapeake Bay. Sincerely yours, Karen Morley President Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc. cc: Governor Parris Glendening ======================= Norm Saunders Colesville, Montgomery County, MD marshhawk@att.net ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================