Preserve wild habitat Towns, state should mark open space for birds

The "Silent Spring" Rachel Carson warned about in her landmark 1962 book does not seem imminent, but birds should not be taken for granted.

So while the state legislature might seem to have more immediate cares, lawmakers should not forget the importance of open space. Loss of habitat is a big threat to birds and other wildlife. Care should be taken to preserve as much room as possible for animals.

Towns in the Greater New Milford area already have made much progress in preserving undeveloped land, and the further preservation of farmland in New Milford is a worthy goal.

According to the Connecticut Audubon Society, however, the state's documentation of open-space bird habitat is lacking, as is a cohesive plan for land acquisition. And the legislature, after repeatedly holding off Gov. M. Jodi Rell's proposed cuts to open-space funding, finally yielded as the governor pressed for ways to save money.

It looks like lawmakers don't care much about birds right now. And, in light of the economy, to a certain extent that's understandable. Hard choices have to be made, and needed services for people take precedence.

Yet state government should not be so shortsighted in its austerity that it forgets about a bigger, more scenic picture. Connecticut is a lovely, naturally diverse state, and its variety of bird life is an integral part of that beauty.

The Audubon Society rightly points out that individual land owners have a responsibility -- and an opportunity -- to foster the survival of birds and other wildlife by leaving portions of their property wild.

This does not necessarily have to be vast expanses -- even a border of shrubs that provides food and shelter for birds would help.

One need not go far in the Greater New Milford area to find remarkable places to appreciate the sound and sight of birds, from Lover's Leap State Park, to along the Housatonic and Shepaug rivers, to Kent Falls State Park and a number of public places in between.

The government has its own responsibility. Even though the state can't go around buying up all of its available open space, it should develop a cohesive plan of conservation, compiled not just by lawmakers but also by scientists.

Comprehensive documentation of the wildlife on all public property would help the state make wise land purchases and protect specific species.

And it would help ensure an indefinite future of birds singing to the return of spring.