Nest in the Ashes by Goff Christine

Author:Goff, Christine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Astor + Blue Editions
Published: 2014-08-28T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

Miriam quickly dispensed with the preliminaries and moved onto old business—an update on the protocol for reporting rare bird sightings, a report from the field trip committee on upcoming events, a standing request for newsletter articles, and the scheduling of a cleanup day along the Paris Mills Nature Trail.

“Now, does anyone have any new business?” she asked.

“I do,” Eric said. He wasn’t anxious to make his request in the wake of the earlier conversation with Forest, but maybe it would work to his advantage. Miriam gestured for him to take the floor, and he moved to where he could face the gathering.

“I’m sure all of you know by now that the recent fire affected over nine thousand acres,” he said. “Mostly Park Service land, but some privately owned property too.”

Cecilia reached out to clutch Dorothy’s arm, while the other bird watchers whispered among themselves. Eric raised his voice above the buzz. “Beaver Meadows was the primary park habitat for the green-tailed towhee and Virginia’s warbler. The meadows area was decimated. We also lost some of the forested habitat for three-toed woodpeckers.”

The buzz increased, and Miriam rapped on the bar. “Let him finish.”

Gertie Tanager, Miriam’s step-daughter, glanced at her watch, then glared at the others. “You know, some of us have to work tomorrow.”

Eric continued. “For the next few months—”

“Years,” interjected Lark.

“Whatever,” Gertie said.

“Years,” Eric amended. “The thing is, the NPS needs volunteers. It’s my job to pinpoint the location of plants surviving in the burned-out areas and to document the return of wildlife.” He paused and scanned the faces of his friends. “I’m sure you realize this type of study is essential to understanding the effects of fire on avian populations and habitats. I am hoping I can count on EPOCH to supply some manpower.”

Henderson scratched his goatee. “How many hours a day do you need?”

“Whatever you can give,” Eric answered. “Ideally we’d like to have someone, or a number of someones, observe a designated area during a specific time every day.”

Nettleman raised his hand. “Excuse me. Exactly what is your primary objective?” he asked. “What’s the goal of the observation?”

“We need to do two things. One, gauge the amount of new growth versus the amount of food the elk are consuming. And two, determine the impact of prescribed burning on various bird and animal species.”

“To prove what?” Nettleman asked, rolling his eyes. “That prescribed burns adversely affect the wildlife?”

Eric bristled. “I believe we’ve covered this ground, Forest. But if you’re asking me on a personal level what I care about most, it’s the effect of the burn on the green-tailed towhee.”

“You want my guess?” Nettleman turned from Eric and addressed the group. “It’s negative.”

Eric’s face heated up. “We’re not interested in guesses, Forest. We’re interested in facts. The NPS needs to document the effect so we can factor the evidence into future burn plans.”

“That sounds easy enough,” Lark interjected. “Do we need to make a motion?”

Miriam shook her head. “I encourage all of you to participate. Eric will set up a volunteer schedule and post it at the Raptor House.

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