Several people have expressed a concern to me about the impact that the BWIAB (Biggest Week in American Birding) will have on the resource here. They say why would you want to bring more people into an area that is already too crowded. The phrase "loving a place to death" comes to mind. While the Division of Wildlife is a sponsor of the event, we are not actively involved in the planning of the event. That is pretty much being done by BSBO; Tropical Birding and ONWR. Yes, the event will definitely bring more people into Magee Marsh, but as others have said there are many other events that will take place at different locations. Hopefully this will help to spread out the crowds, although during the peak birding hours I suspect that many people will be on the boardwalk. People will be where the birds are. Magee Marsh is a public wildlife area here for the enjoyment of all. The DOW mission statement is: "We are dedicated to conserving and improving the fish and wildlife resources and their habitat, and promoting their use and appreciation by the people so that these resources continue to enhance the quality of life for all Ohioans. " Time will tell what impact the BWIAB will have on the resource. Birders are some of the greatest people I know and hopefully all will be respectful of the area and of each other. Many birding events have some kind of conservation component to them, giving back to an area that they use. Perhaps some of the proceeds from the event could go back into improving and maintaining the area. Happy Birding! Mary L. Warren Wildlife Communications Specialist Magee Marsh Wildlife Area 13229 W. State Route 2 Oak Harbor, OH 43449 419-898-0960 #31 FAX: 419-898-4017 [log in to unmask] "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." John Burroughs ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]