A letter to the Department of Interior

April 12, 2012

Dear Secretary Salazar,

I am writing you today to let you know the impact that the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 has had on my community. I live in a nice suburban neighborhood and the streets are lined with mature oak trees. Our neighborhood is currently a war zone which has been waged against the birds.

Last year we were invaded by several thousand heron and egrets. We were taken by surprise and misinformed regarding the birds. The six months of hell we went through I would not wish on my worst enemy. We were prisoners in our own homes and our environment was toxic.

In the research I conducted I was surprised to learn all the diseases the bird’s carry that can be transfer to humans and pets. The rookery showed all the classic signs of salmonella. When I questioned if the birds were going to be tested for it I was informed no, they already knew they carried it.

The dander was so thick it looked like we had Cottonwood Trees. The ammonia levels were so high it would burn your eyes and your sinus through a carbon filter mask. The debris which consisted of sticks, droppings, regurgitation, eggs, dead fish, dead frogs, dead snakes and dead birds was four inches deep in some areas. Every government agency I reached out to for help advised me that we would not receive any because they were federally protected birds.

I found out that this has been allowed to go on for over 30 years! Individuals have lost their homes, business and health because of these birds. I do not think this was the "spirit" for which the law was written. The birds have adapted to roosting in residential areas due to the lack of predators. Yet the laws have not adapted with the birds.

What we went through fit the definition for the EPA Environmental Justice perfectly.

"Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA has this goal for all communities and persons across this Nation. It will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work."

But I was told because they were federally protected birds we would receive no assistance. I was told to reach out to the Department of Interior. I was then informed to reach out to US Fish and Wildlife who sent me to the Migratory Bird Office. I was then told to consider the birds and what I could do next year.

No one should be forced to go through what we went through last year, it is a living hell. To find out that this has been allowed to go on for over 30 years is unacceptable. The birds should not be allowed to roost in residential areas. It is not a good environment for the birds or the people.

To add insult to injury the Cattle Egret is an invasive species but is offered protection of a native species. The laws need to be changed to adapt to the birds and invasive species removed from protection. Google "Carrollton Rookery" or "Carrollton Egrets" and view the pictures and video of what we went through.

Regards,