Thoughts on the Bird Conservation Area meeting in Tripoli - 6-19-07

For those persons reading this who do not know me, I want to make a couple of details clear:

I am not employed by the Iowa DNR and I am not employed by the Bremer, Black Hawk, or Buchanan County Conservation Boards.  I do donate volunteer work to the Iowa DNR and the Bremer County Conservation Board.  And, I do dedicate countless hours to exploring and photographing the beauty of the Wapsipinicon River and Sweet Marsh.

The Iowa DNR hosted an informational meeting tonight regarding the proposed designation of a section of the Wapsipinicon River Corridor as a Bird Conservation Area.  When I first heard of the proposed designation, my initial reaction was to contact the DNR directly to confirm the proposal.  (I have been supportive of this kind of recognition for years.)  Sure enough, the area was being considered.  My second thought was, how will this impact landowners, those who use the area, and those who have property within the designated area (myself included).  Their response was simple...it won't!  

The BCA designation comes with no regulatory guidelines, is not an effort to "grab more land," and doesn't even require participation.  In fact, those with property inside the proposed area are free to do as they please - good or bad - just as they do now.  The designation is simply a forward-thinking initiative to define a specific area - an area already containing unique habitat and birds of concern - for future bird habitat conservation efforts.  For some, the most important aspect of the designation is that with such a designation, those folks enhancing their property may receive increased financial incentives over those not included in the Bird Conservation Area.

The meeting began tonight with a full house.  My count was in excess of 60 people, not including the DNR staff.  Many more arrived after my count.  Before the formal presentation began, Bruce Ehresman clearly explained that the proposed BCA designation was not a land grab and participation was strictly voluntary.  He then provided an overview of the BCA program including the program's history, existing areas previously established, sites being considered, and images of many of the bird species that are declining dramatically and would be helped by habitat improvements.

Since the meeting was informational and intended for public discussion, a few folks expressed their opposition.  Their questions were answered, but I am not sure the DNR response was "heard."  In an effort to clarify the proposed BCA designation, I've attempted to answer questions as I understand the proposal.  

Note: Due to the fact that I am not employed with the Iowa DNR, I am going to forward this page to DNR officials to ask if I am in error on any question.  If I am, I will promptly post their corrections as provided.  Follow-up - A response from the Iowa DNR has been received.  No changes were necessary to the following section.

Bird Conservation Area (BCA) Questions

I own land within or near the BCA boundaries.  How does the BCA designation impact me?  If the BCA designation is approved, there will be no changes in how you use your land.  There are no regulations associated with the designation.  Land uses will be guided by existing land use guidelines, just as they are today. 

If the BCA designation is approved, will I be required to do anything to my land?  No, you will not be required to make any changes in your land or land use practices.  Participation in any habitat improvement is entirely voluntary and may come with financial incentives.

If the BCA designation is approved, will I have to allow people on my land?  No, you will be under no obligation to allow people on your land, even if you perform conservation improvements and receive financial incentives from the government.  

Won't bird watchers think they can go on my land if it is in the BCA?  The BCA designation does not entitle anyone to enter your land without your permission - whether they are watching birds or hunting.  You will continue to decide who has access to your land, just as you do now. 

Will the BCA designation close areas to hunting?  No.  If an area is open to hunting now, the BCA will not result in any changes.  If you make habitat improvements on your land and you do not want to allow hunting, you are allowed to post your land, just as you can now.  

Will I have problems with bird watchers trespassing on my land?  Trespassing is trespassing, whether the person is hunting, birding, or doing something else...if they are on your land without your permission, they are trespassing and should be held accountable.  The BCA designation has nothing to do with the number of people who trespass.  If you have trespassers now, you will likely have the same trespassers later - whether the designation is approved or not.  Birdwatchers are similar to hunters - they follow the rules and ask permission.  People on your land without your permission (also known as slob hunters or slob birdwatchers) are violating the law and you are encouraged to report them to local law enforcement authorities.

Will signs be posted on the boundary of the BCA?  Signs will not be posted on the boundary of the BCA.  Maps will indicate the boundary of the area, but signs will not be posted.  

Is this a bird sanctuary with special rules?  No, the Bird Conservation Area title only indicates an area with unique habitat and bird species that warrant voluntary conservation efforts.  You are not obligated to do anything special or allow any access to your land, nor are you expected to perform any conservation improvements.  Habitat improvements are always encouraged, but will not be required.  You continue to use your land as you wish, just like today.

Might the BCA designation mean more people will be in our area?  Sure, the possibility exists that with enhanced bird habitat we will see more wildlife watchers.  Remember, when wildlife watchers visit an area, they buy gas, lunch, and lodging.  Every dollar spent is a boost to our local economy.  We all win!

What's in it for me?  The BCA designation comes with plenty of rewards - some financial, some even more rewarding than dollars.  The financial rewards may come in the form of incentives (cost-share) from the Federal government (through the Iowa DNR).  Other possible financial incentives may be obtainable due to the designation when future funding becomes available.  The designation will likely move the landowner "up the list" compared to others whose land is not included in the BCA.

More important are the environmental rewards associated with the designation.  As habitat enhancements occur, the habitat-dependent bird species, along with other wildlife, will quickly take advantage of the improved landscape.  You, your family, your children, or your grandchildren may be the first to observe the recurrence of an uncommon warbler, a shorebird, or even a seldom seen reptile or amphibian.  How do you put a price on that!

Should I oppose or support this designation?  The BCA designation is a win for everyone.  Landowners win because they do not have to make any changes in their current practices if they choose not to.  Yet, if they enhance their habitat, they may receive additional financial incentives.  Local residents win when the area benefits from improved bird habitat.  Bird watchers and wildlife observers will travel to and spend their dollars in our area.  Most importantly, wildlife wins when their unique habitat needs are addressed.  

What options does the DNR have regarding the BCA designation?  At least three options exist for the Iowa DNR:  Option 1 - Approve the designation as presented with any minor adjustments necessary due to on-site assessments.  Option 2 - Disprove the designation.  Option 3 - Approve the designation with changes in the boundaries that will remove those who oppose the project from inclusion.  That would have a negative impact on those people if/when they request the increased incentives and their land is not  included in the Bird Conservation Area.

What can I do to help get the BCA designation approved?  It is important that the decision-makers at the Iowa DNR know your opinion on this proposal.  Feel free to contact the DNR directly.  If you prefer, you can contact me or send me an email with your thoughts and I'll share them with the DNR officials.  Use the link below if you wish to email me your opinion.