All
I just received the following response from Dave Taft at NPS regarding
the East Pond.
Arie Gilbert
President - Queens County Bird Club, Inc
http://www.qcbirdclub.org
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Dear Mr. Gilbert -
Thank you for writing regarding your concern for the high water levels
at the East Pond of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
We have also noted these higher water levels and are working to address
the problem.
The pond levels are measured by a gauge at the north end of the
pond. Currently there seems to be a discrepancy between the gauge
numbers and the resulting mudflats. Similar numbers in past years would
have resulted in fair sized mudflats – in fact, this year’s readings
place the pond level lower than three of the past five years. We can
see this is not the case.
The park is working on long term and short term solutions. Most
immediately, the entrance to the pond valve has been cleared, and the
outflow valve manually expanded. Obstructions have been cleared, and
significant amounts of debris have been removed. This has improved
water flow significantly. We are monitoring water levels daily and we
hope to have reached suitable water levels in the next few weeks, in
time for a significant part of the shorebird season, and in time for the
shorebird festival on August 29.
The park is also addressing more long term solutions to this issue and
we hope to incorporate your expertise. We will be in touch regarding
potential assistance.
The park recognizes the significance of the East Pond for shorebird
migration, as well as its significant history providing naturalists and
birdwatchers a truly unique experience worthy of the National Park
Service in New York City.
We will provide follow up when further information is available.
Sincerely,
Dave Taft
Coordinator, Jamaica Bay
Gateway National Recreation Area
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