Just a note on the East Pond valve replacement.
There is a plan afoot to replace the current valve system. So while it’s good
to have on the list, subscribers should be aware that this one is going to
happen. That particular item, was mentioned in the recent Jamaica Bay Taskforce
meeting and NPS management was asked to clarify their statement which they did
albeit with a degree of caution around the timeline.
As far as the East Pond water draw down for this season. I continue working
with NPS in monitoring the outflow and we have dug out the valve at least 3
times already in ensuring that drainage continues.
There are several other items that are listed here worthy of commenting on,
with ample time to get your comments in before the period is closed. Please
make some time to submit something, even if it’s a few sentences.
Cheers,
--------
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our
mind.” ~ Bob Marley
“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran
"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick
Douglass
風 Swift as the wind
林 Quiet as the forest
火 Conquer like the fire
山 Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu The Art of War
> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (")
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!
Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
> On Jun 2, 2022, at 12:19 PM, Phil Jeffrey <phil.jeff...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Of obvious concern to all.
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: Peter W. Post
> Date: Thu, Jun 2, 2022 at 12:16 PM
> Subject: [nysbirds-l] Comments of Jamaica Bay Management Plan urgently needed
> To: NYSBIRDS-L <nysbird...@list.cornell.edu>
>
>
> The National Park Service is requesting comments for an East and West Pond
> “Stewardship” Plan to be incorporated into the Gateway General Management
> Plan.
>
> The Refuge is becoming overgrown. We are losing species diversity. The is a
> total lack of management. All of which needs to be addressed.
>
> Even a quick short letter voicing just a couple concerns that are listed
> below would be helpful..
>
> Unfortunately time is short to submit comments.
>
> Send letter before June 7th to: Gateway NRA, Attn: East and West Pond
> Stewardship Plan, 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305
>
>
>
> Jamaica Bay Management Plan Comments
>
> Here are some ideas for proposing to have in the plan:
>
> - A living action plan with timeframes, transparent budget, and
> accountability built in. Manage area as a Wildlife Refuge as originally
> intended.
>
> -
>
> - A Refuge Manager position - a qualified habitat management / resource
> specialist to be stationed on site and help supervise habitat plan work.
>
> -
>
> - All refuge staff should be resource management / interpretation
> rangers who on managing the trails, gardens, ponds, etc. They need to work
> closely with and help train maintenance staff. Rangers need to do daily
> ‘working patrols’ where they help control invasive species – even if it's 15
> minutes/day.
>
> -
>
> - A mowing plan with timeframes and goals. The west pond viewshed is
> quickly disappearing as is the view of marshes.
>
> -
>
> - An on-site volunteer coordinator – A much-needed dynamic person to
> oversee, train, and work with volunteers, rangers, and maintenance staff on
> various resource projects.
>
> Resurface the west pond trail and remove the construction-size gravel that
> many people, especially seniors have been complaining about.
>
> - A plan for the East Pond valve system- need an engineer to design a
> better valve system.
>
> Immediately Put back the Bird feeder and bird bath; These have been in place
> for 50 years and suddenly disappeared without informing the public!
>
> - Repair/replace Tree Swallow, House Wren, and Bat box
>
> -
>
> - Put up a Purple Martin nest box as they are now nesting
>
> - In Jamaica Bay area
>
> Manage open habitats for pollinators (bees, butterflies, moths, etc.) by
> allowing sterile lawns to grow into wildflower meadows. Mow once or twice a
> year.
>
> Manage Raccoon populations on the islands in Jamaica Bay where they have
> caused heron colonies to leave thus greatly reducing available nesting sites
> for egrets, herons, ibises, oystercatchers, willets, waterfowl, and gulls.
>
> Fresh Water Pond – A study by NY Polytechnical Institute in the 1980’s
> concluded that something similar to Big John’s Pond built on the west side of
> Crossbay would greatly enhance herptile populations, freshwater birds such as
> coots, gallinules and bitterns while also adding enhanced viewing for
> visitors.
>
> - Finally, institute a Resource Management Oversight Committee: NYCA,
> ALS, JB EcoWatchers, NYCBC, QCBC, BBC, Linnaean Society, SSA …to meet two or
> three times /yearly with NPS to assess plan, budgets, funding, etc.
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
> Don Riepe
>
> Jamaica Bay Guardian
>
>
>
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