Local Response to a National Disaster
Today when I launched my internet browser I, and several other million people around the world, was greeted by a photo of a bird covered in oil. It’s heart wrenching to see these photos of dead and dying oil-covered animals.
It’s understandable to ask “How Can I Help?”
Then, earlier this afternoon WCCO contacted me to find out what was being done locally to respond the growing crisis in the Gulf.
And, on NPR’s All Things Considered, Jay Holcomb of International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) and Carrol Henderson (MN DNR Director of Non-Game Programs and Loon Expert), talked about the devastating effects the oil has on waterbirds; even those that may seem safe up here in Minnesota but will migrate to the Gulf in the fall. Their interview can be heard here. (actually, Carrol’s didn’t make the archives, but we’ll post a link to it as soon as we can find a copy.)
Rehabilitation of oiled wildlife is a complex, crisis-oriented endeavor. Unlike natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes more volunteers can cause more harm than good. And be wary of organizations asking for money to help the injured animals. All of the clean-up costs will be covered by the responsible parties. Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research from Delaware, who we’ve worked with in the past, has been contracted to manage the response for animals affected by the spill.
Tri-State is a rehabilitation center much like WRC; annually they treat approximately 3,000 birds. Started in 1976 in response to an oil tanker spill in the Delaware River, Tri-State specializes in oil spill response. Over the years WRC staff have trained at Tri-State and Tri-State people have been to WRC. Personally and professionally, I’m reassured to know that the very best people have been called upon to help the Gulf Coast wildlife.
Tri-State has information on their Web site devoted to the spill. IBRRC also has information on their site. Note that on both their sites they clearly state that BP is covering all their costs. There are many organizations “soliciting” funds to help with wildlife. Beware of these requests.
How will WRC help? That remains to be seen, but no matter how the drama unfolds we’ll do whatever we can to assist Tri-State, IBRRC, the DNR and the FWS.