I love Deb's idea. I have never been to this area, but after there is a prioritization of importance, I stand ready with some funds, my hands, and possibly I would be able to muster additional volunteers to work to help to hasten the restoration of fire ravaged habitat. Betsy Rumely
On Wed, Jun 27, 2012 at 12:24 AM, Deb Carstensen <[email protected]> wrote: > The word " bummer" seems like a terrible understatement of the tragedy > that must have occurred out on the plains. Were there not thousands upon > thousands of birds nesting out in the 40,000 acre area of burn? > Yes, fire is a normal part of life on the prairie. It makes it all > the more difficult, however, when a wonderful area providing food, water > and rest for migrating birds is lost with it. > It makes me wonder what agency is in charge of that rest area and > what steps would be necessary to help restore a healthy habitat. Would the > Audubon Society or CFO take a part in this type of project? > Deb Carstensen, Arapahoe county > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jun 26, 2012, at 5:00 PM, Joe Roller <[email protected]> wrote: > > I drove out there today, and my worst fears were realized. It was not a > heart-breaking sight, but > more like a punch to the gut. It was like turning the corner expecting to > run into a vivacious friend, but seeing > a skeleton instead. When a corpse is found, someone covers it with a sheet > or blanket. But > there was no one to cover Last Chance from my view. > > What was burned, what was not: > > The short-grass prairie is black in every direction. > The bridge on Hway 36 a mile west of Last Chance was passable, and road > crews were repairing > some minor damage.Trees burned partly and I suspect that the owls that > breed there will be able > to return next year. > > Northeast quadrant of Hways 71 and 36. Motel, Dairy King and the houses > and juniper stand north of that appeared untouched. > > Southeast quadrant: Skeletal remains of the old railroad cars are > smoldering. All else burned down. > > Northwest quadrant: The church and other buildings there appeared > untouched. The riparian > area and prairie north of the bridge over Hway 36 are totally burned up. > > Southwest quadrant. Although the greenery,trees around the rest area and > porta potties were fine, > I am sorry to report that all is black west of the chain link fence behind > the potties - burned up burned down. > The larger elm trunks were partly charred, with some green leaves at > their tops. May survive, > may not. I am not an expert assessor. But that was a mere token of > unburned vegetation, as EVERYTHING > except the green scum on the tiny water hole was gone, burned to the > ground. The land forms of our > favorite swales and draws were laid bare. The tiny drainage (valley) that > comes in from the east, crossing > under 71, is OK. > > My biggest gut ache is that with the least rainfall, tons of black ash and > soil will FILL UP the water hole. > I just can't imagine what this will be like, unless there are funds to dig > it out with bulldozers ( and put it where?). > Yes, the grass and shrubs will return, but without a drop of surface > water, I know not what the birds will do. > > It was pathetic seeing all of the thirsty resident birds coming to the > water's edge. The pair of Brown Thrashers > would come in for a sip, then fly a few yards up along the valley to the > south, as if they were going to hide, > like usual. But there was nothing to hide in. Western Kingbirds, Robins, > all came in for furtive drinks. > > I am feeling too low to write anything about how it will be interesting to > see how things improve from here, etc. > > Joe Roller, > in Denver and in the dumps > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected]. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Colorado Birds" group. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected]. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en. > -- Betsy Rumely -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
