Farmers blast 'Birds of Winter' at EDASC meeting

A planned victory lap to herald the completion of the first “Birds of Winter: A Skagit Valley Experience” among the county’s economic development, tourism promotion and environmental and birding advocates got sidetracked and hijacked last week. Instead, a meeting comprised primarily of farmers and conservationists was held at the Skagit County Washington State University Extension office at The Port of Skagit March 28. Andrew Miller, who has coordinated the loose knit Birds of Winter planning for EDASC, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County, led the meeting.

Miller’s portfolio as director of business retention and expansion includes agriculture and value-added agriculture, recreation, and tourism.

The farmers came prepared. Charlie Dykstra, a Burlington organic dairy farmer was blunt: “Most of the farmers don’t want the birds.” He said he had talked to 35 farmers from Lyman to Fir Island Road in the last two days. He reported that farmers had stopped planting cover crops. They were losing crops to birds and now they needed to buy feed.

His father, Andrew, repeatedly drew the analogy of folks planning a party and holding it at a farmer’s house without his permission. “They are not getting recognized for having the party at their house.” The costs accrue, and the damage, but no benefits were his point.

Tony Wisdom, of Skagit Valley Farms, disputed Miller’s spin of a “win-win” for all parties. “There’s no economic numbers you can come up with to please a farmer. This is not a win-win. It’s not going to happen. There’s no win-win here,” he said.

Birds negatively impact the land, Wisdom said, compacting the soil. Another farmer pointed out that birds’ feces raise fecal coliform readings – from Conway on up the Valley. Andrew Dykstra told of a grass field with no manure having a fecal coliform reading of 9,000 while the regulated limit is 100. State and federal regulators will cite farmers, it was pointed out, and state legislators don’t understand the situation.

There was agreement that merchants and restaurants benefit and agreement that farmers do not get a share.

The point was made that “if you leave it alone, people [birders] will come If you drive it, there is an impact that cannot be dismissed.” Farmers do not want a second tulip festival, yet that is the planners’ vision.

Steven Omdal, Port of Skagit Commissioner, said the chambers of commerce, as membership organizations, were successfully meeting their members’ needs in bringing tourists in. Farmers pointed out that they don’t have time to meet, or organize. Someone said they only get together when they’re upset.

Discussion turned to bringing economic benefit to the farmer, by reimbursements, license plate fees or stamp taxes.

Miller sought “success measures,” conditions that, when met, would show progress for farmers. His measures revolved around social organizations, such as attending meetings and having a voice. The farmers’ offered a different perspective: “Maybe the chambers of commerce can write a check to each farmer,” said Andrew Dykstra.”

Omdal recognized the costs to “the one percent that farms for a living. The chambers are going to go ahead whether you like it or not,” he said.

Jo Wolfe, a board member representing the La Conner Chamber, said “We do care. La Conner had the most successful event with its birding showcase,” holding up her chamber’s success but not addressing farmer complaints.

Farmers wanted their negative impacts addressed.

Miller returned to goal 2 of his slide presentation, mitigation for farmers and advocated for farmer participation in planning. Omdal offered support, saying “the benefit is for everyone to be proactive, not reactive.

Andrew Dykstra re-sponded, “Farmers are going to look at that goal and say you’re going to have the festival anyway.” Son Charlie followed up “We’re not against the Festival. But if there’s no positive impact for the farm we are going to have the farmers say ‘heck no.’” He suggested farmers will meet tour buses with shot guns and scare birds away.

And, ever practical, he said, “We are definitely on board to work with you. One hundred percent. But if there is not a benefit, we will not work with you.”

At meeting’s end it seemed clear that birds and birders would return to the Skagit Valley next winter and nothing significant would be done to reduce the fecal matter, or any other problems landing on the valley’s farmlands.

Having met for two hours, the group of 19 broke up, many to get back to their farms.