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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#003300" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'>I’ve learned
more since my previous post to this list, and realize that my remarks, at best,
were inaccurate and not reflective of the critical situation at Rollins. I
oppose brinksmanship when it comes to species protection, and both personally,
and as a Sierra Club spokesperson, I would like to clarify my position.
Snowmobiles must not be allowed to disturb these magnificent birds in one of
the few remaining grassland wintering habitats in our region. Further, I
appreciate the efforts by Donnie and so many others to speak out on behalf of
the wildlife, and apologize if my uninformed comments detracted from BCN and
the conservation community’s effort to protect a wintering home for these
creatures.</span></font></p>
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style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#003300" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'>As many of you might
know, the Sierra Club has an ongoing campaign to eliminate snowmobiles from
Yellowstone National Park, based on their noise, emissions, and disturbance of
wildlife. The Illinois Chapter has been battling habitat destruction by illicit
ORV use on public lands in the Shawnee, Illinois’ only National Forest,
because of the damage they have caused, both on and off-trail. Snowmobiles have
continued to become noisier and more polluting, and less compatible with
wildlife and humans seeking to enjoy nature. Any visitor to Rollins can cause
damage by inappropriate behavior, but the damage caused by those who bring
motorized vehicles is amplified, and the peril to wintering Short-eared Owls,
N. Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks is substantial.</span></font></p>
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style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#003300" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'>While some species
might gradually become habituated to some obtrusive vehicles, it speaks more to
their adaptability (and their desperation) than to what we should choose for
their conservation. Think of the dune buggies on the beach, casually harassing
shorebirds who are trying to feed and fatten up for their long migration, or
rails and bitterns attempting to nest in a marsh being crisscrossed by
amphibious ATVs. These vehicles severely strain the ability of the wildlife to
adapt. Snowmobiles are the winter equivalent for owls and hawks, disrupting
their ability to hunt and locate prey at Rollins. Sacrificing these owls and
hawks in their last remaining habitat through snowmobile use is unacceptable.
Rather than expect these birds to adapt, we should take every opportunity to
provide a more receptive environment for their recovery, with hope that they
will survive as species, and our children and grandchildren can enjoy glimpsing
them. </span></font></p>
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style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 color="#003300" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300;font-weight:bold'>Evan
Craig</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#003300" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'>H:847-680-6437</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#003300" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'>W:847-573-6536</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#003300" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'>Chair</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#003300" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'>Sierra Club Woods
& Wetlands Group</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#003300" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'>-----Original Message-----<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>From:</span></b> bcnnet-bounces@ece.iit.edu
[mailto:bcnnet-bounces@ece.iit.edu] <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>On Behalf
Of </span></b>Donnie R. Dann<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Thursday, April 03, 2008
12:56 PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> IBET IBET; BCNnet<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> [BCNnet] Lake County
Hearing on Rollins Savanna - No Sightings</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>As expected the hearing room was packed this morning, but I'm pleased
to say it was fairly evenly divided between snowmobilers and birders, educators
and supporters of conservation. Thanks to all who came.</span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Jim Anderson of LCFPD staff gave an outstanding
presentation, making all the essential points about how special Rollins
is, and the need to avoid disturbance to the SHORT EARED OWLS AND
NORTHERN HARRIERS by snowmobiles so they might attempt nesting. He
suggested an alternate trail route for snowmobilers that would take them
largely along the periphery of the preserve, well await from the prime habitat.
</span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>When the board votes on the final policy to be adopted I will notify
all.</span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Donnie Dann</span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Highland Park, Lake County</span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><a href="mailto:donniebird@yahoo.com">donniebird@yahoo.com</a></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><br>
<br>
Donnie R. Dann<br>
60 Ravinoaks Lane<br>
Highland Park, IL 60035<br>
Ph/Fx, 847-266-2222<br>
Cell, 847-997-1011<br>
Email, donniebird@yahoo.com<br>
<br>
41355 Fleming Springs Rd.<br>
Cave Creek, AZ 85331<br>
480-575-5469</span></font></p>
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