April 2020 Situational Update

Good afternoon!

I wanted to reiterate that we are currently still doing all we can behind the scenes, mostly while working at home, and occasionally solo in the field, for our waterbirds this spring. The solo or socially distanced string fencing and signage operations continue by AAfCW, CT DEEP, and USFWS at critical locations and islands throughout Connecticut. We are adjusting to beach closures at some spots as well. Our continued communications with cities, towns, private land owners, and state parks is helping to get everything as set as possible for best management practices for our birds and habitats. CT DEEP will be mailing materials to you in coming weeks. Please keep in mind everything they do in the Wildlife Division, which stretches far beyond this program and involves all wildlife across Connecticut, is impacted by our current status as a society with COVID-19. It is an extremely busy and ever-changing day to day work environment.

Scheduling continues with me via this email address (ctwaterbirds@gmail.com) for those of you who have yet to select a beach, dates/days of week, and AM/PM slots. Thank you to everyone who has submitted one. Please also understand schedules are undergoing changes because of COVID-19 as our volunteers have to adjust their lives due to shifting circumstances. Also please keep in mind this will be dynamic throughout the season as certain beaches may open and close depending on local situations. For example, West Haven and Waterford beaches are currently closed. I would anticipate they open in coming weeks with social distancing still required.

We will let you know as soon as possible what the status for monitoring is in May. Thank you to all for your contributions now and throughout 2020. I know everyone is doing their best as volunteers and staff, and it is greatly appreciated!

Stay safe and be well. Thank you all!

Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator