Yes, Norm, I'm aware of the extremely disturbing talk about selling off
public lands. Luckily there will be an opportunity to present the opposite
case this coming Wednesday, November 17.

The Parks Advisory Commission of Maryland is holding a day of user group
presentations and has invited me to represent birdwatchers (others will
speak on hiking, fly-fishing, and trail biking). To quote from the e-mail I
received, "We are grappling with many issues right now concerning [the state
parks'] funding and stewardship and need to hear from groups like MOS on the
importance of the parks for wildlife habitat, recreation and economic
impacts."

I'm still organizing my presentation and would welcome relevant suggestions.
Among other things, the Commission wants to hear about these topics:

* Birders' "interaction" with State Parks and personnel
* Parks' importance as habitat
* "Trends (good and bad)"

Of course most of us could reel off general statements on these topics in
our sleep, but if any of you can provide me with SPECIFIC examples,
quantities, links to databases, etc., it would help make a more persuasive
case. Please feel free to contact me directly; my e-mail address is janet
[at] twocrows [dot] com.

Thanks in advance.

Janet Millenson
Potomac, MD (Montgomery County)

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"Look at the birds!" -- Pascal the parrot