Letters to the Editor

Please keep your distance from area eagle nests

Dear Editor:

I certainly appreciate and understand the outrage that has been expressed by many at the recent killing of a bald eagle. Sadly, incidents like this happen from time to time and often there is no logical explanation. That certainly appears to be the case with this recent incident. I hope the person(s) responsible are brought to justice. However, a plea for justice is not why I am writing to you.

I am writing in regards to the several remaining nesting eagles in Greene County, particularly about the pair nesting near Beehunter Marsh. Due to the nest's proximity to the road, they are especially vulnerable to disturbance. As many will recall, this nest was first active two years ago, but it eventually failed. Why did it fail? No one knows for sure, but it certainly didn't help that there was a nearly constant string of onlookers along the road near the nest site. Most of the onlookers were respectful, kept their distance and were silent during their brief visits. However, there were a few who were not respectful, did not keep their distance and made lots of noise in an effort to get a better look at the birds. That is unacceptable behavior.

When the nest became active this year (after a year off), we were cautiously optimistic about its chances for success. For the first few weeks the birds were allowed to nest in relative obscurity. That is until the recent eagle poaching. The poaching created a heightened interest in the other eagles in the area which led to widespread awareness of the nesting activity near Beehunter Marsh and subsequently to the marked increase in human activity along the road near the nest.

I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the nest is on private property and that it is against federal law under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act to: pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb eagles (16 U.S.C. 668c; 50 CFR 22.3). Civil penalties for violating provisions of the Act can be up to a maximum fine of $5,000 or one year imprisonment. Felony convictions carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years of imprisonment.

As Aldo Leopold wrote in his book A Sand County Almanac "All conservation of wildness is self-defeating, for to cherish we must see and fondle, and when enough have seen and fondled, there is no wilderness left to cherish." So, I urge everyone who visits the nest to keep their visits brief and quiet so as to not cherish this bit of Greene County wildness out of existence.

Sincerely,

Brad Feaster

Certified Wildlife Biologist

Property Manager; Goose Pond FWA, Linton

Community responsed to appeal for help for FLC

Dear Editor:

A few days ago, I came to the community to ask for assistance with Family Life Center operating expenses. There was an immediate respond from you, the community. Your generosity will enable FLC to operate at full capacity. It is the mission of FLC to meet the basic needs of the family, because of you we will be able to meet those needs together.

Along with your financial support your words of encouragement have meant so much to us. FLC volunteers are now AMPed up and ready to roll for the summer.

You are really the greatest community.

Thank you and may the Lord Bless you.

Dianne Langer, Director

Family Life Center

Bloomfield

Family thankful for prayers

Sarah Leeds (Flinn)

Georgia & Greg Flinn and family and Jake and Sarah Leeds' and family, would like to express our thanks for everyone's prayers and concerns for Sarah during this medically difficult time in her life. She is in the Progressive Neuro Care Unit at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Your continued prayers are much needed and appreciated. We know in our hearts and in our minds that God is in control of this and all situations. We ask for strength for Sarah as she progresses through her recuperation.

We would like to thank all the rescue and law enforcement personnel who are partially responsible for Sarah being alive today. We would also like to express a special thanks to whomever called the accident into 911.

Thank you,

Sarah's parents, Georgia and Greg Flinn

Bloomfield