After rescuing some red knots from human greed, New Jersey authorities
appear to have done the right thing once again to protect another speck
of wild habitat. Good for them. See
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/185/story/132234.html  .
        This is an issue in Ohio, too, of course, where the same tradition
applies: that it's OK to go raise hell in places seemingly owned by no
one in particular, where the surroundings are wide open and undeveloped,
and where hardly anyone ever complains about misbehavior.  It's one
reason we have no wild tern colonies anymore, and why a visit to
Conneaut Harbor can be so unpleasant for birds and bird observers alike.
It's not just boaters, of course; gasoline-powered recreation, however,
is a major factor, since the casual despoilers of the environment are
unlikely to take a long walk or swim with a barbecue grill, ATV, or the
other impedimenta of "fun" and "freedom" in the outdoors.
        Finally, some spoilsport wonders out loud if our freedoms to roar
around in jet-skis or run our dogs might have limits. I'm sure readers
are aware of the many Ohio examples of excesses. Enforcement of the
law--far more assiduously employed on behalf of private
landowners--equally on public lands shouldn't be left to the terns,
plovers, and skimmers.  Hats off to the local Sierra Club chapter and
the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife for getting protection for Champagne
Island, and may similar efforts prevail here.
Bill Whan
Columbus



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