Re: [Paddlewise] Clarification

Geo. Bergeron wrote:
> 
>         A lot of my reaction to the statement essentially proposing to
> restrict whale watching to kayaks comes from the recent Orca migrations in
> Puget Sound this winter. Kayakers from all over Seattle, Western Canada, and
> at least as far south as Portland were flocking to the Sound to "watch" the
> Orcas. [snip] The authorities warned, and pleaded with boaters not to "chase" the
> whales, and I ran into this clown in Portland making the comment, "We're not
> chasing them, we're just following. . . trying to catch up with them."

[snip] 
>         While intentions may be the best, too often I see the putative
> "nature lovers" creating stress on the species--literally loving them to
> death. [snip]

I agree *strongly* with George that an ever-increasing number of "nature
lovers" (such as us) chasing after wildlife is surely to the detriment
(if not the death) of the wildlife we "love."  In my neck of the woods,
a small party of kayakers quietly gliding down a backwater has pretty
much the same effect on the wildlife in the slough as one outboard
motorboat passing through.

I guess education of people in the ways of the critters is my best
suggestion.  Awareness of the needs and sensitivities of wild things
seems to breed respect and to encourage careful human behavior.  That's
what I see in those around me who become aware of their effects on birds
and other shy beasties.  It's mostly those who are entirely ignorant who
do the most damage.  (Heresy though it may be, most of the duck hunters
I have met on my waters seem more aware of the need to save habitat for
waterbirds than are the kayakers I meet.)

There must be some point, moreover, when even we quiet, nonmotorized
types become the problem.  An example:  On the USFWS Refuge next to me,
there are two "navigable" sections of the Columbia River which the USFWS
has posted as "off limits" to boaters -- to give migratory birds a
chance to rest in isolation from the likes of me.  Been told by resource
managers such posting is probably unenforceable from a legalistic point
of view.  Seems like "the law" and what's best for the birds may not
always jive.

Another example:  Seems crazy that "ecotourism" is the banner under
which a well-publicized, "official" paddler's water trail (with
campsites!) has been proposed adjacent to the sensitive waterways I
describe above.  I don't know what's best.  I know I'm worried about it.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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