Black Hills

Audubon Society
Olympia, Washington

Volume 38,
Number 2

March/April 2007

Sightings fun. I am also very excited at the chance to meet you

Here we are zooming up on Spring and Black Hills there. We have plenty to celebrate!
Audubon is bursting with news and goings on. You will
Our birding adventures continue to provide many
read in the conservation update about our recent win,
opportunities for beginners and advanced birders.
along with Thurston County, regarding the Quality Rock
So shed those winter coats and considering going on
Products appeal. This was a long, hard and well-fought
one of our outings. Your continuing interest in these
conservation issue. It is with great happiness that we
events is critical to our on-going success. Kristin
have made it through the dark and cold of winter on this
Stewart does an incredible job for us in organizing
one. Sue Danver led us all the way!
these events. It is no small task!
Planning is well under way for our Annual Dinner
And so it is, with the happiness of spring that we
and Fundraising Auction. We have some really nice
move forward, radiant in the light of a warm sun and
items coming in and I am looking forward to our guest
fragrant, fresh air that we breathe deeply, giving us
speaker, Jim Lynch. You will be able to purchase a
strength and nourishment, that we may grow in our
copy of The Highest Tide and have Mr. Lynch give you
work and succeed in our purpose.
a personal signing after his presentation. That will be
— Linda

Thursday, March 15 Thursday, April 19

Pygmy Rabbits Gone to the Goonies:
Dave Hays from the Washington Department of Fish
and Wildlife will update us on the depart-
Midway Atoll
ment’s efforts to protect this endangered Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of
species. He will hopefully have Midway National Memorial, part of the North-
just returned from the field western Hawaiian Islands Marine National
where new numbers of this Monument, is probably best remembered
little critter will be re- for the WWII Battle of Midway. However,
introduced to the small the military has departed and today the
existing population in islands have gone to the birds. Laysan and
Grant County. Dave is an black-footed albatross abound with the largest
authority on these charis- nesting colonies in the world. Midway Atoll also
matic not-so-mega fauna. To next page
BHAS membership meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at the Capitol Museum Coach House, 211 W. 21st Street, in Olympia. Social
hour is at 7pm, with programs beginning promptly at 7:30. Driving directions: From I-5 in Olympia, take Exit 105 following the State Capital/City
Center route. After the tunnel, turn left (south) onto Capital Way. After 7 blocks, turn right on 21st Avenue. The museum is two blocks down on the
left. The Coach House meeting room and adjacent parking are behind the Museum building of Olympia).
Thurston County and BHAS Prevail over
Quality Rock Products in the Court of Appeals
On Wednesday, February 6, the Tacoma State Court Commissioners for joining us in and bearing the
of Appeals (COA) agreed with Thurston County and court costs for this appeal. Without their participa-
BHAS’s appeal and reversed a Mason County Su- tion, our chances would have been greatly reduced.
perior Court decision. The Court of Appeals denied We extend a warm thank you to Bob MacLeod,
Quality Rock Products’ request for a Special Use Cathy Wolfe and Diane Oberquell.
Permit to expand its gravel mine, build an asphalt
The BHAS Board heartily thanks our attorneys Dave
plant, and resurrect a temporary (three small jobs
Bricklin and Devon Shannon. This is Devon’s first
in the late 80s) concrete plant into an enormous
year since clerking at the Court of Appeals, and this
concrete facility immediately adjacent to the Black
is her first significant win. We would like to thank
River National Wildlife Refuge.
Elizabeth Petrich, County Prosecutor, for her excel-
This victory is significant but we must remain cau- lent work and dedication to this case.
tious in our optimism during the period when Qual-
I personally would like to thank the BHAS Board for
ity Rock Products has the opportunity to appeal to
keeping faith during this long ordeal.
the State Supreme Court. (This Echo article was
written February 11 and we believe QRP has 30 days There has been little time for reflection. I hope to
to appeal.) compose a worthy thank you in the next Echo.
Please remember, we could not have done it without
The COA decision is clear and strong in its agree-
you, our members and neighbors, and your emo-
ment with the County’s and BHAS’s arguments.
tional and financial support. Many of you par-
Basically, the panel of three judges agreed that:
ticipated in this effort in one way or another. The
1) QRP did not provide the specific water use infor-
contributions were crucial but it was the personal
mation the Board needed to evaluate the total im-
conversations, insights, and knowledge that kept
pact on the Black River. The Black River is impaired
me/us going. Let me share one from yesterday; my
and no further water withdrawals are allowed from
last of hundreds of positive experiences.
July 1 to September 30. 2) The County Hearing
Examiner approved the permit with “no findings as A couple, of very modest income, dared to have a
to the specific effect the project would have on the wooden sign advocating for the protection of the
Black River on the Black River” after the BOCC had Black River Wildlife Refuge in their yard. I occasion-
requested in its remand “a detailed analysis of the ally dropped in to update them on the process. On
impact to the groundwater, aquifer and the Black February 10, I went to report our victory to them.
River.” They had read the news in The Olympian. With huge
smiles on their faces they announced that they had
QRP also argued that their permit should not be de-
joined Audubon. They then asked me to look at the
nied because we failed to appeal the SEPA Mitigated
beautiful calendar that Audubon had sent them.
Determination of Non-significance (environmental
There was the February picture of chickadees in
review). The COA disagreed. In discussion, Appel-
their kitchen.
late Court Judge Armstrong stated:
Yes, it was all worth it!
“The county issued the MDNS without access to
—Sue Danver
most of the information that the hearing examiner
and the Board ultimately based their decision on.
For instance, Quality Rock’s response to the en-
April program
vironmental checklist, that it completed to obtain From page 1
the MDNS, did not identify the Black River as a has nesting colonies of 15 other seabird species.
surface water body in the proposed expansion’s
vicinity.” However, the albatross face threatening issues at
sea and on land—longline fishing, plastics, lead,
Enough about legal matters—Thank you all! and invasive species. Valerie Elliott had the op-
This battle has taken 5½ years and it probably will portunity to visit Midway Atoll last December. Her
have some more twists and turns. Our standing has presentation
greatly improved though and we should celebrate that. will cover the albatross and other species found on
and around Midway Atoll.
We are extremely grateful to the Board of County

 Black Hills Audubon Society

Conservation Updates

Cluster Housing Interim Ordinance Language Change

BHAS discovered a major loophole in Thurston huge, rather than moderate, cluster development.
County’s Interim Ordinance for cluster housing. (An In the worst case scenario, numerous lots could be
interim ordinance is temporary code used while juxtaposed, on a large parcel of land, such that a
revisions to the original code are being created.) project of scores, if not hundreds of houses, could
be legally platted. We asked the County Com-
BHAS attended the 2004 work sessions and hear- missioners to clarify the intent of their ordinance
ings on developing the cluster housing interim language. If this correction is not made, developers
ordinance. BHAS believes the intent of the commis- could buy huge tracts of land (especially lands with
sioners was that no cluster housing project would critical areas) and develop urban like developments
be less than 20 acres or greater than 100 acres. on County rural lands.
We remember that the Commissioners wanted to
continue to allow moderate sized clusters during the In late January, the County told BHAS that the Com-
interim ordinance. Unfortunately, the language of missioners did understand the problem and would
the interim ordinance said “lot” instead of “project” enter a formal process to correct the language. Once
when defining the acreage limits. the preferred language is finalized by the County
Land Use attorney, there will be a 60 day notice to
This past October, BHAS realized that a developer the public and a formal hearing to address the lan-
could align several contiguous lots, connect the guage change.
infrastructure between the lots, and end up with a

The Struggle Continues: Action Needed Now

protects rural character and habitat lands.
Support Planning Commission’s Proposal One
Proposal 2 rezones 38% but is less protective
In 2004 Futurewise successfully challenged several
of rural character and habitat lands. In addition,
aspects of Thurston County’s updates to its Com-
proposal 2 does not recommend rezoning unbuild-
prehensive Land Use Plan to the Western Washing-
able lands. Participants at the workshops in January
ton Growth Management Hearings Board.
2006 identified unbuildable lands as the top priority
The reason for the challenge is that the County’s plan for rezoning.
fails to protect aquifers, rural character and promotes
Proposal 3 was presented to the County Commis-
urban sprawl. Thurston County zoned 21,000 acres at
sioners as what the county could “get away with.”
1 du/5acres (1 dwelling unit per 5 acres).
This option barely meets the straight face test. Vul-
Based on legal advice from the County’s Attorney, the nerable aquifer recharge areas are only protected by
County challenged the Growth Board to the Supreme 1 du/10 acres if parcels have multiple public benefit.
Court. Their opinion is expected at the end of February. For example, the properties must be all three of
vulnerable aquifers, wellhead protection areas and
Should we act now or wait for the Court areas with elevated nitrate or chloride levels.
Decision?
For the last 18 months, the Thurston County Act Now
Planning Commissioners have been taking public With over 65% of Thurston County voting down
testimony, holding open houses and conducting I-933, we must now turn and use this voice at the
public meetings to come up with recommendations county level.  It is crucial that we protect our drink-
on how the county can comply with the Growth ing water, parks and neighborhoods, our family
Board’s decision. farms, and our quality of life.
Three proposals were offered by the Planning Com- Please contact your County Commissioners and voice
mission because they could not reach a consensus your support for Proposal 1. You can safely assume that
on any one plan. the moneyed interests are already screaming loudly. Here
is the County Commission link:
Proposal 1 more closely mirrors the public com-
ment received during the open houses and hear-
ings. This plan rezones 39.6% and more adequately

Black Hills Audubon Society 

The Sad Saga of Munn Lake—
How some developers play the game
which would require the southern bridge. The City
BHAS monitors pre-submission development plans of Tumwater made its request for health and safety
in an attempt to stop the most egregious develop- reasons. Tumwater believes the one northern access
ments. We may comment on one a year. The De- for 327 houses, on a major curve of an already busy
schutes River Highlands (DRH) on Munn Lake, just Henderson Avenue, is inadequate. As a resolution,
west of the Deschutes River in the BHAS requested that the plat be entirely denied
Tumwater, is such a case. or reduced to150 houses, which is a reasonable
Munn Lake is a 34 acre, number for the one north access.
relatively pristine lake. It has The neighbors appealed the SEPA miti-
a long established Wash- gated determination of significance to the
ington Department of Fish County Commissioners. For this appeal,
and Wildlife Wood BHAS commented on why, on ecologi-
Duck buffer on its east cal grounds, there should not be a major
shore. Resident and bridge at the south end of the
migratory waterfowl development. The Com-
use Munn Lake, which missioners, in their
even has boat motor restric- decision, said that “the
tions. Just east of Munn Lake there is southern access will
a 107 acre parcel of land which borders however not be open
the Deschutes River. The State Threat- to general traffic…
ened Pocket Gopher, River Otter, a Red- in light of environmental
tailed Hawk, and an eagle reside in this consideration.” (Decision,
parcel of wetlands, woodlands, prairie, 3/30/05).
and bluffs (now cleared). This “island” of
land, nestled between the Deschutes and Munn James Driscoll, the County
Lake, is the location for the DRH development. Hearing Examiner, granted
the 327 house development.
Sadly, somehow this area was zoned for ur- He allowed a recreational
ban density. The 327 house plat was reviewed by trail through the wood duck
Thurston County. In 2004, the neighbors of Munn buffer. He neither made a
Lake challenged aspects of the development, asking Finding of Fact on Tumwater’s request for a second
protection for their wells and the abundant wildlife. access nor on BHAS’s request for a smaller develop-
The neighbors argued that pesticide and fertil- ment. (First decision, and second Amended Decision,
izer runoff could compromise Munn Lake and the 2/11/05)
nearby Deschutes River.
BHAS asked that no residential trail go in the wood
duck buffer and that a southern wildlife corridor be-
tween the Deschutes River and Munn Lake remain
open space. BHAS also fought hard to prevent a
Tenino Urban
southern access to the development. A very expen-
sive bridge would be needed to go over a very low
Growth boundary
area between Munn Lake and Trail’s End Lake to expansion request
access the southern end of the development. This
bridge would require a Shoreline Permit. Outside The County Commissioners only expanded the
of the development and solely to access the devel- Tenino Urban Growth boundary to include the
opment, the bridge would need to be paid for by sewage treatment area. Critical prairie habitat
Thurston County residents. (Federal funds are very and wetlands were not included in the UGB.
unlikely because this road would be a dead end BHAS had requested their protection. BHAS
with the Deschutes River east of DRH.) thanks member and butterfly expert Bill Yake
for his hard work on this issue.
The City of Tumwater, which will eventually annex
the DRH, requested that there be a second access,

 Black Hills Audubon Society

January 16, 2007—

Developers request a third Amendment to Plat

This January, with only ten days notice, BHAS was BHAS would have liked to but couldn’t request the
informed that a third amendment has been pro- reduction of the plat to 150 houses.
posed for DRH. The developers want to expand the
Oddly, there is a blank section in the middle of the
envelope of their entire development. The approxi-
plat, in which it appears that another 10 houses
mate 250’ open space (southern wildlife corridor)
could be built. Within this blank area is the state-
between Munn Lake and the Deschutes River would
ment, “for future development”. BHAS commented
be replaced by housing. With a mandatory fence
that the amended plat should be denied with the
between the camp to the south and the develop-
existence of this undefined area. BHAS wonders
ment, wildlife would be prohibited from moving
whether the developer will come back and ask for a
from the river to the lake.
fourth amendment to add ten more houses if he is
The neighborhood coalition, emotionally and finan- granted this envelope expansion.
cially drained, provided about five comment letters.
The developer’s lawyer dismissed BHAS’s comments
Only the developer, BHAS and the City of Tumwater
with “No evidence, only community displeasure with
appeared at the hearing to testify. BHAS argued that
the subdivision and developer was offered. Community
SEPA appeal decision was made by the Commis-
displeasure alone is not sufficient to deny a permit.”
sioners with the wildlife corridor intact. Therefore,
this request should be denied. The City of Tumwater Welcome to the world of trying to encourage respon-
requested the southern access again. BHAS remind- sible environmental developments. Mr. Driscoll’s de-
ed the court that this southern access had been de- cision was delayed from February 6 to February 13.
nied by the SEPA appeal decision. Since the number We remain in suspense at the time of this writing.
of houses allowed was not subject to discussion,

Imagine the Future with $100 million for

Wildlife, Birds and People!
Remember when the local Audubon members and Governor Gregoire’s budget allocated $70 million
their land conservancy partners saved the small for the WWRP. But, there are over $100 million in
wetlands near Spokane —Reardon Ponds—from de- projects waiting to be funded. We think the state
velopment? You and your chapter met the challenge Legislature should approve $100 million for WWRP
and raised part of the money to buy the property. to save farms, forests, wetland, and special places,
Audubon Washington contributed its lobbying ex- like Reardon Ponds. Call your legislators today and
pertise to get more money into the state budget for ask for $100 million in WWRP.
the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program For more information and to see what projects are
(WWRP) to complete the Reardon Pond transac- funded in your area go to:
tion. We all celebrated the day when the property . .
became a permanent birding site near Spokane! It Nina Carter, Executive Director Audubon Washington
is a great tourism draw and the local governments and Washington Wildlife Recreation Coalition Member
love the added tax revenue.
Imagine what we can accomplish with $100 mil-
lion for habitat for birds and wildlife! Every month
Port Program Most
I get calls from Audubon members asking how they Interesting
can save a small wetland or a forest or a farm in
Port expert concludes that local communities bear the
their neighborhood. Those places are home to their
costs and environmental problems of port development
favorite Ruby-crowned Kinglet or Cedar Waxwing
and operations while the region usually benefits.
flocks. I’d like to tell them that $100 million is avail-
able from the WWRP so they can save those special Around 45 people attended the Audubon and
places. Carnegie Group sponsored lecture by Chris Fowler
(1/24/07) on how containerization is changing
Now, you have a chance to save birds and their
the paradigm of port and marine operations. Mr.
habitat by asking for more funding in the WWRP.
Continued on next page

Black Hills Audubon Society 

HB 1436 and SB 5507—

Changes to Washington’s vesting laws

BHAS attended and entered written testimony er got credit for all the unbuildable lands (wetlands),
endorsing changes to Washington’s vesting laws. plus a 52% bonus for clustering the housing.
The revision to an RCW would change the time of
In August 2004, two months after Littlejohns Estates
vesting from the completion of application, very
vested, the County imposed its cluster housing interim
early on in the process, to the time of “substantial
ordinance. The interim ordinance eliminated bonus
construction.”
credit to developers for clustering. This development
In its testimony, BHAS provided the following would have been allowed only 31 houses. I am not
example which illustrated why BHAS endorses HB even sure if construction has even begun in 2007.
1436 and SB 5507.
If HB 1436 and SB 5507 were to become law (would
There are several traditional wintering duck ponds not be retroactive), and a development like the
east of I-5 on 113th, near Case Road. Maybe you above were to occur, then it would have to observe
have gone there to look and enjoy the presence of the regulations existing at “substantial develop-
ducks. An application for a cluster development, ment” and not at application….. a reduction of 16
named Littlejohns Estates, was finalized in June houses in the case of Littlejohns Estates.
2004 for this location. Forty-seven houses have
With individual septic systems squeezed next to
been platted on 155 acres, scattered amongst the
wetland buffers, the likelihood is that these winter-
wetlands between I-5 and Case Road. Much of the
ing duck areas will accumulate too many nutrients
area is wet and cannot be built on. This area is also
and the wetlands will be compromised. With the
in the Salmon Basin drainage for which the County
very high water table, human health might be in
made recommendations in 2003 to limit develop-
jeopardy as well.
ment because of flooding within the drainage.
Please call your State Representative and Senator
Despite all these high water concerns, the developer
and ask them to endorse HB 1436 and SB 5507.
was granted the maximum of 47 houses. The develop-

Study Group from Northwest Earth Institute

Please join kindred souls at Traditions Café for the willing to work with us for a time that meets our
initial meeting of the course “Discovering a Sense of needs. May I add, their sandwiches are quite good
Place”, Wednesday, March 21, at 5 pm. This course and the gingerbread (with whipped cream) is deli-
is offered by the Northwest Earth Institute’s Envi- cious.
ronmental Education program. —Connie Christy
We encourage you to bring friends and family to This website for more info on this course is at
this gathering for it is a topic that has no borders. . Traditions Café, Wednesday,
Many of you are fans of Wendell Berry and perhaps March 21, 5pm.
have read his book, “A Sense of Place”. In this book
he states, “If you don’t know where you are, you
don’t know who you are. With a sense of place,
your identity is defined—to a significant extent—by Port development
the natural features of the place where you live”.
From previous page
Most of us in Audubon are aware of our sense of Fowler’s presentation hopefully will trigger the long
place but we all could use a “tune up”. This pro- missing crucial dialogue by the Port of Olympia with
gram is an opportunity to involve other members Thurston County residents about port economics
of our community in understanding this “place” we and the impact of port development on Olympia and
live in and hopefully bring about changes in the Thurston County.
way we accept responsibility for it.
Chris Fowler’s lecture may be seen on public access
Please feel free to call me at (360) 570-1214. If TV, channel 22 on these dates and time: Thursday
Wednesday, March 21, at 5 pm, is not convenient 3/1/2007, 1 pm, Saturday 3/3/2007, 9 pm, Thursday
for you please contact me. Traditions Café is very 3/8/2007, 1pm, and Saturday 3/10/2007, 8 pm.

 Black Hills Audubon Society

$

March 2007
Thursday March 15: Program—Pygmy Rabbits
March 18, Sunday: Chehalis Western Trail, Western Blue Bird Trip, 8 am to late
afternoon. Leader Jim Pruske, call BHAS office at (360) 352-7299 to register.
March 30th through April 1st Olympic BirdFest. Sequim, Dungeness River Audubon
Center. Program and registration information at www.olympicbirdfest.org. Contact
(360) 681-4076, e-mail info olympicbirdfest.org.

April 2007
April 1, Sunday: Tien Shan Mountains (Mystery Tour), meet at Mud Bay Park & Ride
7:30 am. Leader Tom Schooley, (360) 357-9170. Car-pool limit is four.
April 7, Saturday: Goodrich Pond and Chehalis River Discovery Trail, 8 am to early
afternoon. Meet at the Labor & Industries parking lot in Tumwater. Call BHAS to re-
serve your spot. Leader Dave Hayden.
Thursday, April 19: Program—Midway Atoll
April 22, Sunday: McLane Nature Trail, 8 am to early afternoon. Leader
Whittier Johnson. Meet at lower parking lot at McLane Nature Trail. Bring
snacks, lunch and water. Call BHAS 352-7299 for reservations.
April 27 through 29: Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival. Call 1-800-303-
8498. www.shorebirdfestival.com

May 2007
May 5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday: Central Washington localities, 6 am Saturday
to late Sunday. Leaders Gary Wiles and Kristen Stewart. Call BHAS to register.
May 12, Saturday: Eastern Columbia Gorge and Klickitat region. 7:30 am to early
evening. Leaders Lonnie Sommer and Kristin Stewart. Meet at Martin Way Park
and Ride. Bring lunch, water and snacks. Call Lonnie at (360) 866-8119, or email at
wheelermombi comcast.net.
May 19, Saturday: Ridgefield NWR, 8 am to early evening. $3.00 entrance fee per
vehicle. Meet at the Labor & Industries parking lot. Call BHAS to reserve your spot.
Leader Dave Hayden.
May 20, Sunday: Scatter Creek Wildlife Area, 8 am to afternoon. Meet at the en-
trance parking lot near the caretaker’s house and barn. Bring food and water. Leader
Whittier Johnson, call BHAS office 352-7299 for reservations.

Black Hills Audubon Society 

 Board of Directors 2006-2007 Webmaster: Deb Jaqua................. 360-491-3325
djaqua comcast.net
Officers Field Trips: Kristin Stewart . .........360-456-5098
President: Linda Johnson.............. 503-957-1812 kristinstewart01 comcast.net
lindashair comcast.net Programs: Kris Schoyen ….. 360-754-1710
Co-Vice Presidents: kshoyen hotmail.com
Margery Beeler.........................360-943-5709 Echo Editors: Bill and Linda Johnson...................
mswampcat aol.com ................................................ 503-957-1812
Kris Schoyen............................360-754-1710 lindashair comcast.net
kshoyen hotmail.com Member Volunteers
Secretary: Susan Markey..............360-438-9048
Forest Issues: David Jennings ….. 360-866-7551
slmarkey comcast.net
nativeforest gamil.com
Treasurer: Mike O’Malley..............360-943-2369
Echo Designer: Lee Miller . .......... 360-753-0942
michael.omalley comcast.net
aleemiller igc.org
Board Members At Large Bird ID: Dave McNett....................360-357-3695
Connie Christy............................. 360-570-1214 Bird Sightings, Bird ID, Birding in Ernest:
constancechristy msn.com Bill Shelmerdine............................ 360-866-9106
Carol Evans........ 866-8531 carollouh msn.com gorn1 msn.com
Jean MacGregor........................... 360-866-0166 Bird Feeder Cleaning.....................360-754-5397
JeanMcG thurston.com debbienickerson mac.com
Sam Merrill...................................360-866-8839 Office Support: Carol Evans, Carolyn Harmon
smerrill zhonka.net
Committee Chairs (Board Members)
Membership: Margery Beeler .......360-943-5709
mswampcat aol.com
Conservation: Sue Danver.............360-705-9247
sdanver7 aol.com

Black Hills Audubon Society Board meetings are at 5:30 p.m. on the second
1063 Capitol Way So., Rm 205, Olympia, WA 98501 Wednesday of each month. The site varies from
Phone: 360-352-7299 month to month, so please call us at the office if
Website: www.blackhillsaudubon.com you would like to sit in.
E-mail: bhas”at”blackhillsaudubon.org Phone and e-mail messages are welcome, but please
Black Hills Audubon Society is a non-profit remember that we are a volunteer-based organization,
organization. A member chapter of the National and it may take us a few days to get back to you.
Audubon Society, it represents Audubon members in The Echo is published bi-monthly. Editors: Bill and
Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties. Linda Johnson. Layout and design by Lee Miller.
Our goals are to maintain, restore and protect our Graphics by Nature Icons/Ultimate Symbol unless
ecosystems for future generations, and to promote initialed.
environmental education and nature-based Material for The Echo should be sent to PO Box
recreation. 2524, Olympia, WA 98507, or e-mailed to Linda
General membership meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Johnson at lindashair comcast.net
the third Thursday evening of each month, Sep- Deadline for the May/June 2007 issue is
tember through June, at the Capitol Museum Coach April 10, 2007.
House, 211 West 21st Street, in Olympia.

 Black Hills Audubon Society

Northwest Certified • Assistance identifying conservation and financial
assistance programs
Forestry • Assistance identifying additional income opportu-
nities from forestland
NCF is a non-profit membership and services pro- • Referrals to high quality natural resource profes-
gram developed by the Northwest Natural Resource sionals
Group to assist small forest landowners with opti- • Information services (publications, website, news-
mizing the economic and ecological potential of their letter, e-mail bulletin, on-line business contacts
forestlands. We accomplish this goal by developing database)
and promoting a variety of conservation driven mar- • Ecosystem service market development (e.g. car-
kets and tools that, taken together, help landowners bon credits)
receive higher values from their forestland. As you work with forest landowners, please keep
NCF in mind as a resource for assisting landowners
As part of our work, NCF has developed the region’s with the day-to-day management of their forests.
first marketing program that distinguishes lo- Your referrals will assist us with build-
cally produced forest products harvested ing a new and successful model for
from small forestlands. We have accom- marketing locally produced and
plished this by building a network of sustainably grown forest prod-
landowners, wood product manu- ucts in our region. If you are
facturers, lumberyards, and buyers interested in learning more
that specialize in forest products contact:
that are certified to the high
performance standards of the Kirk Hanson, NCF South
Forest Stewardship Council Sound Regional Man-
(FSC). ager, Northwest Natu-
ral Resource Group PO
NCF provides the following Box 6373, Olympia, WA
services to our members: 98507-6373
• Forest Stewardship Council Cell: 360-316-9317;
(FSC) certification kirk nnrg.org ;
• Local, regional, and national
market development for FSC
certified forest products
• Customized marketing assistance
• Educational workshops and train-
ing courses on topics relating to
innovative forest management and
marketing strategies

Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival

April 27-29, 2007 Wildlife Refuge. Take part in a variety
Celebrating the Spring Migration of of events including field trips, lectures,
Shorebirds in Grays Harbor County exhibitors, vendors, authors, a run/walk,
banquet and auction.
The 12th Annual Grays Harbor
Come be a part of the
Shorebird Festival promises
celebration!
you a great nature ex-
perience. Witness the 1.800.303.8498;
migrating shorebirds at www.shorebirdfestival.
Grays Harbor National com; dlmoor2 coast-
access.comm

Black Hills Audubon Society 

Upcoming Field Trips and Events
Chehalis Western Trail Western Bluebird trip Hop aboard our Mysti-Aire flight to the Tien Shan
Sunday, March 18th, 8 am to afternoon Mountains of Central Asia. Birds of note in this
Leader: Jim Pruske little-known region include the Ibisbill, Fire-fronted
Serin, and Isabelline Wheatears. We may traverse
Jim was the original inheritor of the late Jack Davis’s
several thousand feet in elevation to sample the
work and Bluebird Trail to reestablish a population
many life zones, so plan to bring your own oxygen.
of Western Bluebirds in the BHAS area. The area at
Although there is a 13 time zone difference to this
the time was not part of any established trail proj-
destination, we shall return by dinnertime thanks
ect, and ultimately was so overgrown with Scot’s
to Mysti-Aire’s exclusive rights to the space-time
Broom that it was inaccessible. It then was incor-
continuum. Four car–carpool limit, bring food and
porated into the Chehalis Western Trail project, and
drinks. Dress for the weather.
once again Jim could find and maintain the bluebird
boxes. It also became part of the Project Bluebird Goodrich Pond and Chehalis River
area. The result is that Jack and Jim’s previous work Discovery Trail
has been successful! Join Jim on this late March trip Saturday April 7, 8am–early afternoon
to see the last of the wintering species and the early Leader: Dave Hayden
spring arrivals. The bluebirds themselves are usu-
The Goodrich pond along with the newly opened
ally in evidence from Jan through fall. There might
river trail, has made this area the hot spot for birds
be Red Crossbills, Purple Finch, White-crowned
in Lewis County. Dave hopes to find some lingering
Sparrows, Yellow-rumped warblers, Tree and Violet-
waterfowl, possibly some swans, raptors, shore-
green Swallows among the 63 species that might
birds, migratory birds, and any other possible sur-
be seen. Jim usually birds this area at least once a
prises. The trail is approximately a two-mile round
month throughout the year, and knows which spe-
trip. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Labor and
cies breed there, in addition to knowing the winter-
Industries parking lot in Tumwater at 8am. Call the
ing species.
BHAS at 360-352-7299 to reserve your spot.
As usual bring lunch and snacks, and dress for the
weather. Meet at the Timberland Library building on McLane Nature Trail, Sunday April 22nd, 2007
Tumwater Blvd. SW at 8:00am. Call the BHAS office 8 am to early afternoon.
at 360-352-7299 to register. Leader: Whittier Johnson
McLane Nature Trail, one of the Great Washington
Olympic BirdFest 2007 Birding Trail sites, is a delightful mix of forest ages,
Sequim-WA with a wonderful large beaver pond. It features
March 30 - April 1, 2007 several breeding birds, such as Wood Ducks, and
Visit the rain shadow of the Olympic Peninsula to Pied -billed Grebes, both of which should be there
discover the birds of the coastal Pacific Northwest— in April. There may even be some wintering water-
Marbled Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Harlequin fowl remaining in the area. There are year round
Ducks, Dippers, Black Oystercatchers, Long-tailed Winter Wrens and Hutton’s Vireos, and woodpeck-
Ducks, and more. Guided field trips, a boat cruise in ers of various stripes. There should be early Black-
the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and a banquet with our headed Grosbeaks, Pacific Slope Flycatchers, and
partner, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. The Birdfest Rufous Hummingbirds. Swallows should be there as
with the most spectacular setting! well. It is also a treat to see Rough-skinned Newts.
Contact: Dungeness River Audubon Center, P.O. Box McLane is a “demonstration forest” and is due to
2450, Sequim, WA 98382; 360-681-4076; info be partially logged by the Department of Natural
olympicbirdfest.org , www.olympicbirdfest.org. Resources that owns and manages the area. This is
a great chance to see it before that happens. It has
Date: April 1, 2007 also been some number of years since Whittier has
Destination: Tien Shan Mountains led a field trip, and we are delighted to have him
(Mystery Tour) back! This trip will be limited to 10 participants,
Leader: Tom Schooley, (360) 357-9170 and is especially geared to beginning birders. Meet
Meeting time: 7:30 am; Meeting place: at the lower parking lot at McLane nature trail at 8
Mud Bay Park & Ride a.m. As usual, dress for the weather, it can be damp

10 Black Hills Audubon Society

in the forested areas. Bring snacks, possibly lunch, Motel 6 so as to keep costs relatively affordable.
and water. Call the BHAS office at 360-352-7299 to We will, of course, carpool and will limit the trip to
reserve a spot. 4 vehicles (15-16 folks). We will need to eat dinner
and breakfast out probably, but hope everyone can
Central Washington Localities bring lunch for each day. Participants will also be
Saturday May 5th, and Sunday May 6th, expected to pay their share for gas, and their share
6 am Saturday to Late afternoon/evening or their motel costs, depending on whether they
Sunday. share a room.
Leaders: Gary Wiles and Kristin Stewart
This will be a more expensive trip than we usually
This is advance notice for an extended Eastern WA
do, to target birds we don’t usually see here on the
trip in May. We have not tried a 2 day trip (at least
Westside. We will be firming up details for the next
not since I have been the Field Trip Chair), but we
Echo, but wanted people to have a chance to think
are now! This trip will be in the Central WA area,
about the trip and plan for it. Call the BHAS number
probably including Gingko State Park, the Moses
at 360-352-7299 to register.
Lake area, the Potholes Reservoir, Columbia NWR,
and possibly Dodson Rd. We will be targeting Eastern Columbia Gorge and Klickitat
displaying Western and Clark’s Grebes, Burrowing Region, Saturday, May 12th, 7:30 am
Owls, early returning sparrows of E WA such as to early evening.
Sage Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow and Vesper Spar-
Leaders: Lonnie Somer & Kristin Stewart
row, along with Sage Thrasher and Say’s Phoebe,
migrating warblers and shorebirds. We hope to An all day field trip that will include stops near
find shrikes, and waterfowl, as well as Am Avocets Bingen, Lyle, and Maryhill. Possible species include
and Black-necked Stilts, and hopefully Tri-colored Lesser Goldfinch, Lewis’ and Acorn Woodpeckers,
Blackbirds. White-breasted Nuthatches, Rock & Canyon Wrens,

We think we will try to stay at the Moses Lake Continued on next page

Join Audubon! We Welcome New Members!

There are a couple ways for you to join Black Hills Audubon:
E Chapter members receive chapter benefits for a year, including our newsletter, The Echo. Please make
check payable to Black Hills Audubon. All of these dues contribute to our efforts at the local chapter level.
$20 Member
$15 Senior or full–time Student
E National members receive national and chapter benefits for a year, including Audubon magazine and our
chapter newsletter, The Echo. Please make check payable to National Audubon Society. Most of these
dues contribute to national efforts.
$20 first-time member
$15 Senior or full–time Student
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ber. Please make check payable to Black Hills Audubon.
$10
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able to Black Hills Audubon.
$______
BHAS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible!

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Membership, Black Hills Audubon Society, PO Box 2524, Olympia, WA 98507 7XCH

Black Hills Audubon Society 11

Field Trips Scatter Creek Wildlife Area,
Sunday May 20th, 2007, 8 a.m. to afternoon.
Continued from page 11 Leader: Whittier Johnson
perhaps some early Ash-throated flycatcher, and Scatter Creek is another Great Washington Bird-
other species that are uncommon on the western side ing Trail site, and a totally different setting than the
of the Cascades. This will be an all-day trip limited to McLane Nature Trail trip that Whittier is leading in
12 persons. Meet at the Martin Way Park and Ride at April. Scatter Creek is remnant western Washington
7:30 am. Bring lunch, water, and snacks. Call Lonnie prairie, with Oregon ash, Garry Oak,
at 360-866-8119 or e-mail him at wheelermombi and along Scatter Creek are Douglas
comcast.net to register. Firs and their shrubby components.
May is a wonderful time to see prai-
Ridgefield NWR rie wildflowers, and the trip is worth
Saturday May 19, 8am–early evening doing even without birds. But prairie
Leader: David Hayden birds should be in evidence. There might
Join Dave as he looks for continuing be Western Meadowlarks, Savannah
migrating birds, passerines, and wa- Sparrows, Green Herons, Bullock’s Ori-
terfowl. Expect to see lots of Cin- oles, Red-eyed Vireos, Western Scrub Jays,
namon Teal, some Yellow-headed House Wrens, and perhaps American Kestrels.
Blackbirds, and Meet Whittier at the entrance parking lot near
White-breasted Nuthatch. Pos- the caretaker’s house and barn at 8 a.m. The
sibilities are Black-necked Stilts, Scatter Creek trip is geared to beginners and
and Black Tern. There will be limited to 10 participants. Wear weather-
some walking involved, about 1.5 miles. Bring appropriate clothes, and bring food you
a lunch and dress for the weather. Meet at the Labor might want. Call the BHAS office at 360-352-7299 for
and Industries parking lot in Tumwater at 8am. Call reservations.
the BHAS at 360-352-7299 to reserve your spot. Note,
there is a $3.00 entrance fee per vehicle.

Black Hills Audubon Society

PO Box 2524 Nonprofit Org.
US Postage
Olympia WA 98507–2524 PAID
Olympia WA
Permit #87