Kevin -- Keep in mind that opening this woods to hiking, dogs, etc. will create some 'fragmentation' with trails etc. Also, it will create a lot of disturbance to the birds especially during nesting. Dogs running loose would/could be a big problem. Assume this is privately owned by you rather than public property. My vote would be to preserve it in its natural state if possible. Cheers, Kathy Klimkiewicz Laurel MD ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: possible plan for a hawkwatch platform Author: mdosprey@ARI.Net at NBS-Internet-Gateway Date: 10/7/98 7:05 PM Ospreyers, I might be able to planning a hawkwatch platform at the top of ridge in the 3+ acres woods. I'm thinking about turning this woods into a park for anybody to walk their dogs or enjoy a nature walk or birdwatching. I have seen nearly 100 species in this woods in the last 6 years and new birds are starting to improve in the last two years. A pair of Cooper's has a nest there in the last 3 years, good woodpeckers habitat, several warblers species, a good songbirds movement, a headquarter for Am. Crow's training center (dive-bombing at hawks during migration). If anyone like the idea, maybe I could give you a tour in this woods and look around if this is good enough for you. I'm thinking about talking to City Council and Baltimore City's Dept. of Recreation and Park to improve this piece of land. This place has alot of trash including old dishwasher, tires and other stuff. Does anyone knows whot should I talk to first about this future plan, I hope to have this ready by next fall hawk migration 1999. If anyone who would like me to give you a tour of this land and maybe stops by in my yards to watch hawks for a while. Sent email and I check my schedule (I'm free this weekend 10th & 11th and on Friday the 9th. Kevin Graff Baltimore, MD ggraff@erols.com