Carolyn Krueger

As many of us know we are facing the possibility of an Interstate passing through our mountains in route from Knoxville, Tennessee via Augusta, Georgia to Savannah. Seems some of the Georgia legislators have run a Pork Barrel proposal by the U. S. Congress and our Big-time spender President Bush for a $1.3 million feasibility study for this project. At this point no known route has been proposed and many of us are not really clear why this endeavor is important enough to add to our National Debt. Seems a large majority of the citizens of this area feel the impact of an Interstate through the very heart of our mountains outweighs the need and the monumental cost to Taxpayers. With all the other massive debts this administration and its supporters have bestowed on the citizens of this country, we all wondering how such unrealistic tasks are even possible. This is merely another example of a partisan, unrealistic request to benefit a few rather than the majority. It is unfair of this group of legislators to bestow such a huge debt on future generations. Many of us are wondering how we can stop this type of “out of control spending”.

Most of the people who reside here, whether natives or transplants, have chosen to live here for the peace and solitude these mountains offer and to forgo the fast pace of residence in the city. Many of us are here to avoid interstate travel for our everyday activities of daily living and are truly concerned about the loss of the very things we hold dear.

Now to address an issue that many may not even know exists. It is the impact that this Interstate coming through our National Forests will have on our wildlife, particularly our birds. Most do not know that our forests support a large number of Neotropical Birds. These are the birds that over-winter in the tropics, but come to North America each year during Spring Migration to raise their young. They must migrate here for availability of food and nesting space to successfully breed. After the young ones fledge, Neotropical parents and offspring both return to their winter homes in the Tropics. Some of these birds nest here in North Carolina and some just pass through on their way to other areas even as far north as Canada.

Large expanses of un-fragmented forests are crucial for those who nest here, but also for those passing through to points further north. These migratory birds are sensitive to the size and the condition of their habitats. The migration and the breeding attempts are dependent on “more exacting and expansive territory”. In short, the key to success is proper habitat. The areas these birds pass through are just as important as final destination. The weeks spent in passage to summer homes in North America and return to the tropic are critical. The trip fails if the areas along the migratory routes do not provide adequate resting and staging areas. Many can survive for awhile in habitat fragments while transient, but their needs become much more specific when raising their young.

There are 271 species of birds that breed and live at least part of their lives in National Forests in our southern region. There are 43 species that breed near us in the Joyce Kilmer Forest alone. This area has been described as: “Perhaps the most impressive growth of eastern virgin forest in the United States”. Loosing any part of this forest or the other wooded areas connecting it to other large expanses of National Forests could certainly add to the already declining population of many of our songbirds. This park, along with others held in trust by the National Parks Service, plays a vital role in the survival of “our endangered national treasure: the many species of woodland birds that call North America “home” during the breeding season.” There is a registered decline of more than 100 of our Neotropical migrant species population. Much of this decline is habitat loss and fragmentation in breeding grounds. Interstate-3 through any part of our area would greatly increase this population decline of many of our woodland songbirds. We must prevent destruction of “our large natural areas that serve as islands of sanctuary in the stream that binds the opposing poles of their lives”.

If such destruction continues, the future generations shall never experience the wonderful flute-like song of our Wood Thrush, the brilliant red coat of the Scarlet Tanager or the many unique colorful varieties of the warblers who serenade our woodlands all the way to the mountaintops. To quote Rose Kennedy: “After the storm, the birds always sing.” Soon this will no longer happen.

Carolyn Krueger
Hummingbird Hollow

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Citizens Speak Letters-to-the-Editor and Editorial Opinions from the Regional and National Press and individuals' letters to the Stop I-3 Coalition

Interstate-3: The Impact on Our Neotropical Migratory Birds

Citizens Speak
Letters-to-the-Editor and Editorial Opinions from the Regional and National Press
and individuals' letters to the Stop I-3 Coalition