Thanks Bob. To add some further updates from this year - we were able to work on what I consider the best compromise yet and expand the areas we protected during the breeding season. We had successful nesting of the following species: Eastern Meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrows, Spotted Sandpipers, Willow Flycatchers, Red-winged blackbirds, Mallards, Snapping Turtles and others.
The agreement entailed spot mowing with oversight/consultation during the breeding season and an understanding that it would need to be completely cut in the fall (which we were aware would be this week). Judy, myself and others will continue to work with the stakeholders on potential long term solutions that may help further mitigate, and we'll plan to be out there again next spring to protect what we can. Considering it absolutely can and has been clear cut in the height of spring breeding, I think we're in a much better spot than years past.
Jeff