As fall migration comes to Ohio, we are reminded of the importance of parks for the rest stops and refueling of our birds. So many Park Districts are being faced with commercialization and development after years of conservation and preservation. We are still fighting the drastic changes to our Geauga Park District By-laws.You do not have to live here to help us make a stand. Thousands of people come to our parks from outside our county each year, biking, birding, hiking. Please go to the Blackswamp link and download a petition (mailing address at bottom of petition form) There is also a background information sheet showing the changes to the purpose statement of the Parks and the list of "recreational" activities approved by our Park Board. Cuyahoga County is also experiencing some of the same challenges we have here. We have been ridiculed in letters to the editor as "environmental elitists" and laughed at for wanting to protect a nesting habitat for the Virginia Rail (just a bird from Virginia, the letter stated.) Thanks for all your encouraging comments. 

http://www.bsbo.org/ohio-habitat-conservation-updates.html

Sandy Buckles
 
"We must strive to touch the land gently and care for it as true stewards that those who follow us may see our mark on the land was one of respect and love....."( From a trail marker at Settler's Cove, near Ketchikan , Alaska.)
Robert B. Oetting 

                                          
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