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1996 FWOC
Resolution
No. 11:
THE DUNGENESS SPIT IN PUGET SOUND
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The Dungeness Spit in the
State of Washington extends northward for seven miles into the waters
of Puget Sound above the Olympic Peninsula. The Spit is a
Wildlife Refuge that provides habitat for over 250 species of birds and
fifty species of mammals. Offshore eelgrass beds are especially
important to waterfowl shorebirds and juvenile salmon. The Spit
is also important as a migration and wintering area, but is also home
to many nesting birds.
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The U.S. Department of
Interior has released a long-range Plan for the management of public
use of the refuge. the Plan would strictly limit many
recreational activities which, if unrestricted, could have a
detrimental impact on wildlife. Some locally-elected officials
and proponents of unrestricted human use do not agree. They are
placing enormous pressure on the Refuge's staff to adopt a weaker plan
that would emphasize the recreational wishes of people over the habitat
needs of wildlife.
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The Federation of Western
Outdoor Clubs supports the restrictions on human use of the Dungeness
Spit as proposed by the Department of the Interior, and supported by
the environmental organizations of the Olympic Peninsula.
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Federation members and members Clubs with
an interest in ensuring that the Dungeness Spit remains a sanctuary for
wildlife from human activity should send a copy of the above
Resolution, along with comments of their own, to:
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The Department of Interior, Washington, DC
(See Listing of officials at the end of these Resolutions), and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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State of Washington citizens should
contact the State's Game and Fish Department, as well as consider
sending a copy to the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society. (These
addresses are not included in the Listing).
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