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Published May 02, 2008, 12:00 AM

Letter: Birds are a reminder

We have been so fortunate these last two weeks to be hosting here a number of loons, a large flock of white pelicans, cormorants and other migrating waterfowl, as well as some summer osprey and eagles. People have stopped to watch in awe and photograph them. It makes one pause in gratitude to be living in such an incredible place, but also in self reflection: Are we offering them a healthy ecosystem, or are the fish they ingest filled with toxins that might harm or kill them later on their journeys?

By: Marybeth Lorbiecki Mataya, North Hudson, Hudson Star-Observer

We have been so fortunate these last two weeks to be hosting here a number of loons, a large flock of white pelicans, cormorants and other migrating waterfowl, as well as some summer osprey and eagles.

People have stopped to watch in awe and photograph them. It makes one pause in gratitude to be living in such an incredible place, but also in self reflection: Are we offering them a healthy ecosystem, or are the fish they ingest filled with toxins that might harm or kill them later on their journeys?

Our small daily choices determine which is true. Do we use chemical fertilizers and pesticides on our lawns that are toxic for children (and adults), pets and wildlife, which wash off our lawns and fields into the lake, river and storm sewers leading to these bodies of water?

  • Do we use lead-based fishing lures, such as weights, that kill loons?

  • Do we drain our chlorinated pools into storm sewers that lead to our waters?

  • Do we use toxic household cleaners that go down our drains and then into the water after flowing through the sewage treatment plants?

  • Do we have buffer zones of native grasses, trees and shrubs around our waters?

  • Do we check our boats and motors to make sure we are not passing on Eurasian mil foil? Do we keep our boats and Jet-Skis a distance away from wildlife on the lake so as not to terrorize them?

    We can all do better, I’m sure, to make this area more hospitable and healthy for wildlife. But it’s not just for them. It’s for us. As is said, we all live downstream. And the toxic chemicals we use and which factories use to make products often drain into our aquifers, wells or other sources of water (as has happened across the St. Croix), as well as into the fish we eat.

    So our choices affect our own health too. We all have power to make this place more healthy and more beautiful so we can continue to have these incredible spring visits and all-season quality of life for all.

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