It will NOT be easy! I have had questions floating in my mind all day. Are the communities near the ivory-billed sighting prepared for the influx of birders? Is the area going to be restricted? Are there going to be companies offering ivory-bill tours? Of course many are saying right away the best thing is to not go see this bird, but that's not going to stop people from going to see it. Here are answers to some of those questions from Mike McDowell:
For Immediate Release – April 28, 2005
Media Contact: Kyla Hastie, cell: 770/329-1697
Refuge Contact: Dennis Widner, 870/347-2074
Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Discovered on Cache River Refuge Background
The ivory-billed woodpecker, considered to be extinct by many birders, has been
rediscovered on Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. The discovery is the
result of a collaborative effort by The Nature Conservancy of Arkansas, Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working together with Cornell University as the
primary researcher, to determine if the ivory-billed woodpecker existed in the
bottomland hardwood habitat of the White and Cache River basins.
Questions and Answers: Access to Cache River National Wildlife Refuge
What laws protect the ivory-billed woodpecker?
The ivory-billed woodpecker is an endangered species and is afforded protection
through the Endangered Species Act, the Refuge Administration Act, Migratory
Bird Treaty Act, National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997, and other
federal and state legislation.
Is the Service restricting access to the location where the bird was found?
Beginning immediately, the Service has established a managed access area of
approximately 5,000 acres within the Bayou DeView drainage from Highway 38
southward to Dagmar WMA. Only researchers will be allowed access into this
area. A map is provided on the refuge’s website and is available through the refuge
office showing the designated managed access area.
Is access limited to the entire refuge?
No. Over 55,000 acres representing the majority of the refuge is still open to the
public for all permitted public use activities, including hunting, fishing and boating.
How can I see the bird?
The Service expects an influx of birders from across the country and beyond to
come to see the bird. The best opportunity for birders to add this bird to their life
list is on the adjacent Dagmar Wildlife Management Area, managed by the
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Good viewing areas are designated on
the associated map. The Service is working with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and The Nature Conservancy to provide additional viewing sites, which are expected to be available in early May.
Can I use recorded, mechanical or otherwise artificial calls to draw in the
bird?
No. Any means to artificially call the bird is strictly prohibited.