Chinook!

I thought it was windy yesterday.  My mistake.  We have a "High Wind Warning" posted for today until 5 p.m. - we've already had one gust clocked at 73 mph, while Pinecliffe has recorded a gust at 93 mph.  I know that tree branches are down everywhere, and I'm glad that I can scoot around, and in between, things with the Mini.  Plus, it was 52 degrees when I arose this morning - usually, it's in the teens or twenties.  Finn is trying to destroy one of his felt tug-o-war toys, but isn't having much luck.  Last night he eviscerated Dino the dinosaur, who was made entirely of felt.  If he keeps on at this rate, he won't have any toys left...  except his antlers to chew on.  Getting ready to head over to my apartment and spend some time with my kits...  I also need to do some grocery shopping for myself and for Sunday's family gathering.

The folks in the government have come up with an alternative plan for the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague National Seashore on Assateague Island, according to The Chincoteague Beacon: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials met with representatives from federal, state, and county agencies and elected officials from Chincoteague and Accomack County on Dec. 21 to review public comments on the first draft of alternatives for the Chincoteague and Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuges comprehensive conservation plan.
The refuge initially solicited public comment on a first draft of management scenarios between Aug. 14 and Oct. 31. At the meeting, the planning team clarified the attributes common to all alternatives and discussed proposed refinements to the draft alternatives based on public comments received.
Some key elements included in each proposed alternative include:
» A one-mile long recreational beach will be maintained;
» Some level of parking in the vicinity of the recreational beach will be maintained;
» Personal motor vehicle access to Assateague Island will continue to be permitted;
» The Chincoteague ponies will continue to inhabit Assateague Island and management will be specified in the agreement with the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
"The surrounding community is understandably concerned about the future of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, and how we are managing these public lands as they continue to be affected by sea-level rise and climate change," said Refuge Manager Louis Hinds.
"This meeting was an excellent opportunity to come together with our community partners, clarify the management scenarios, and talk about how we can refine the alternatives to consider comments we received."
The refuge plans to release a newsletter this winter that will summarize public comments that were received, clarify the proposed alternatives, and explain the next steps of the CCP process, which will include completing a draft CCP/Environmental Impact Statement.
The EIS evaluates potential impacts that would result from the proposed alternatives. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the draft CCP/EIS.


I am looking forward to January 13, when I will be able to sleep in my own bed again - and with Lovey and Nedi.  Rosie and Remy, and Skipper and Finn, are great house companions and pretty good bed companions - but getting to sleep with my own kits will be fantastic.