2018
AHWF proposed operating budget
EXPENSES: REVENUE:
2,300
Fund Raising & Marketing
10,000 Memberships & Donations
2,300 Utilities 500
Merchandise & fundraising programs
15,000 Mission 5,000 Events
79,000 Nature Trail & Classroom Building 500 Aluminum & other recycle programs
(large game enclosure included) 5,000 Grants
Total
$19,600
79,000 Phase III Funding
Total $21,000
2018 AHWF actual operating budget
EXPENSES: REVENUE:
4,701
Fund Raising & Marketing
9,593 Memberships
& Donations
2,343 Utilities 3,959 Events (Merch.+OnlinePrgs)
9,874 Mission (inc. below 55 Aluminum & other recycle
1,900 Nature
Trail & Classroom Building 18,000 Grants
3,225 In-kind contributions
(excl. labor)
Total
$16,918
Total $34,832
American Heritage Wildlife Foundation has the mission to
conserve local wildlife through the efforts of rehabilitation of the injured or
orphaned and community education. We do not receive federal, state or county
funding. We exist only because of community support. We are a 501c3 nonprofit
organization and a registered state nonprofit incorporation. AHWF holds federal
rehabilitation permits from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for all migratory
bird species and Idaho State Fish and Game rehabilitation permits for all
species of birds and non-game mammals. We are the only north Idaho facility
providing care mammals, birds, reptiles & amphibians.
Wildlife
This year
was one of the most upsetting. Thankfully, this community was so supportive of
our financial need but the calling of wildlife rehabilitation is not one which spares
the emotion, spirit, or mind of the caregiver.
“It was a spring without voices. On the mornings that had
once throbbed with the dawn chorus of robins, catbirds, doves, jays, wrens, and
scores of other bird voices there was now no sound; only silence over the
fields and woods and marsh.” - “A Fable
for Tomorrow” from Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring 1962
Early spring our volunteers reported
seeing the first returning migrant birds – American Robins, appearing healthy
but within a few short days they were found dead. We received a few which were
not able to be rehabilitated. They were greatly underweight. This trend of
malnourishment was seen in multiple species and continued to be seen throughout
the year. Sadly, this situation was reported by other professional national
wildlife rehabilitators as well. We are heartsick at the only logical
conclusion: habitat alteration or fragmentation, air + soil + water pollution (noxious
gases, lead, herbicides, urban run-off (including roadway de-icing solutions),
and excessive use of pesticides & insecticides all creates environmental
dead zones. To complicate the distress some pesticides cause anorexia (loss of
appetite & weakness) which results in starvation. The animals were
confronted with a lack suitable habitat & food in the wintering grounds and
then had barren deserts (lacking food and or shelter) to cross before arriving
at the breeding grounds, of which might have been ‘gentrified into oblivion’,
as one urban nature blogger stated.
At the end of the day the reality is
that whatever we do to their habitat so too will we feel the effects. All
things connect. When we touch one piece of the web it is felt throughout. Consider
this: the water treatment plants cannot filter the toxins (such as household
chemicals as well as herbicides that are sprayed along roadways, which also get
into the rivers and lakes) then release the treated water out into the same
source used for tap water. Studies of major waterways documented that 100% of
all surface water samples, 96% of all fish, and 33% of aquifers contained one
or more pesticides. These toxins cause
neurological, immunological and physiological issues; they can be fatal. FYI
the bottled water industry is less regulated than tap water.
We can make a change – both locally
and on a large scale by demanding our political representatives pass
legislation against the agricultural industry (& others) continuing to
create these bio-hazards. There are 180 chemicals registered in the US alone.
This is 40 % of the world wide pesticide usage (5.86 billion pounds). We use
25% of the world total herbicide amount.
There are sound alternatives. Years ago, we, as concerned citizens,
successfully mandated that there would no longer be lead in our paint nor in our
fuels. Let us do the same with other aspects of our environment! Margret Mead
said to never doubt the power of a small group of determined people. They are
the ones that will change the world.
Biomagnification is a big word that
means that if a dose of ‘poison’ is ingested it does not degrade as it passes
from one animal to the next in the food chain – it magnifies. The producer
basically concentrates that dose from 1,000 to 5,000 times more. The primary
consumer then becomes 10,000 to 50,000 times more. The secondary consumer
100,000 to 500,000 times. And finally the tertiary consumer 500,000 to
50,000,000 times more than the original amount.
We cared for 70 individual animals. The
wildlife we received were migration exhausted or pollution impacted (to use the
description from another rehabber). They were orphaned due to mother being
killed or habitat being destroyed, hit by automobile, struck a window or
attacked by cat or dog. Many patients were significantly underweight upon
arrival. 34 patients died or were euthanized as to end their suffering.
Thankfully this year we did not experience any obvious toxicosis cases relating
to the bio-magnification effects poisonings from herbicides & rodenticides
but we did hear other rehabilitation centers reporting high numbers. Studies
report that an estimated 67 million birds die from poisoning each year; no
numbers were reported on the mammal species which were certainly effected.
Currently we are overwintering 9
individuals (4 raccoons and 5 fox squirrels); they were born late in the season
and simply too young to release at the end of summer. Release dates will be
Spring 2019.
We did have wonderful volunteers and
interns to help us with the daily challenges and requirements animal care. We
had to be strong enough in mind to be intuitive and strong enough in body to
endure long days. We have a listing of volunteers who help with answering
telephones, animal care and animal transportation but we can always add more
phone numbers to our listing – just give us a call. The more the merrier!
The interns were chosen from a list
from almost 30 applicants. The process required over 6 weeks and many volunteer
hours. These students receive an overview of what to expect but the job is best
described as learn as you go position. The learning curve is often difficult. One
hard working intern was able to remain most of the summer, one quit after one
week, and one we wish we could have hired sooner as well as kept her on as a
staff member. We do wish her the best as she continues vet school.
We responded to 320+ phone calls from
our community. 65 of there were directly related to animals in distress. These
animals were referred to nearby veterinary clinics, were never relinquished by
the rescuer or not able to be captured.
Early in the year we were given an old
X-ray machine. It does need some work and we need to create a room. If you
would like to lend a hand, we would be very appreciative. This is an amazing
opportunity for us to add to the level of care we are able to provide for our injured
native neighbors.
We started a building expansion
project to add a secondary infirmary room. This will create a size
approximately 20 foot by 8 foot and be used mainly as a mammal care room.
The 2015 recorded phone message from
IDFG stating if we build the needed bear cub enclosure(s) they will approve it
gave us confidence to spend the last three years researching enclosure
materials, contacting contractors, writing grants, connecting with media and
getting creative with our fundraising efforts. As many of you are aware, there are
only a handful of facilities in the nation and two in Idaho. They are located
in central and south Idaho. We want to be able to respond to injured game
mammals in need from North Idaho as well as nearby states like Washington. The
last few years we have received calls regarding cubs as well as cougar and
bobcat kittens.
Education and public
outreach
Where do I begin? This year we
provided our community with 35 events & activities! No wonder the hours
recorded for the first six months are about equal with the recorded hours for
the last six – an amazing total of almost 4,000 hours. While some of our
volunteers were occupied with animal care others were reaching out into the
community in assorted ways. The public libraries as well as school and private
groups were the locations for nearly 20 programs or presentations. If you would
like to join with other volunteers and be part of the educational outreach
programs, give us a call or send an email.
We again joined with Kaniksu Land
Trust and Idaho Conservation League at the Little Panida Theater, where Dr.
Wayne Melquist captivated us all regaling us with his Osprey tales of struggle
and recovery. In 2019, we would again like to offer our community an event of
interest but need your input as to a keynote speaker. Call AHWF or KLT.
We attempted to have two highway
clean-up sessions however multiple attempts to coordinate volunteer scheduling
and the weather along with inability to connect with Idaho Transportation
Department proved unsuccessful. We have renewed our contract with ITD to keep
our three mile section of scenic highway 200 clean and green; if you would like
to take over as coordinator please contact us so you may be oriented with the
task prior to the Spring of 2019.
Places to meet us or show your AHWF
support: Earth Day at Farmin Park, 7B Sunday at Schweitzer Mountain, IdahoGives,
Meet the AHWF Founder at Squeeze Inn, BINGO in Clark Fork, Feed Me fundraiser
at Monarch Market, the all-day Clark Fork Independence Day celebration with
facepainting and carnival games, 4th Annual Clean Comedy Show and Silent
Auction (we were at Sandpoint Chocolate Bear for one day selling advance
seating tickets), Pints for a Cause fundraiser at Idaho Pour Authority, the No
Shave November / Beards for Bears campaign, Scarecrow Contest at Hickey Farms
(sadly no one entered this year), and the three day Christmas Fair in the
Bonner Mall.
All the hours dedicated to ‘face time’
did not allow for much ‘tech time’. Remember that 20th century movie “You’ve
got mail” … it opens with that squelching noise of the internet finding its way
into your computer. Our foundation volunteers listened to that tone for 16
years. In October 2017, our provider stopped service of dial-up. We lost the
ability to stay connected and do not have internet service nor cell phone
service at our facility. Idaho is after all 50th in the nation relating to
internet speeds and connectivity. This means all online work such as email,
social media, grant research & submission must take place at a pubic wi-fi
location.
One volunteer did however find the
time to create an Instagram site. Check it out! This form of social media will
add to our ways to reach out and spread our message of keeping North Idaho WILD.
We anticipate the newly hired ‘outreach coordinator’ will be more consistent at
online postings and program promotions.
The website software we have now will
certainly improve the looks and hopefully functionality of our website but we
did not have the opportunity to upload the newly created site yet. The current
site is still functional but suspect time is limited as it was created using a
rapidly unsupported platform. One volunteer scheduled time to come out and take
over the task but life must have gotten in the way of the good intentions.
Please consider taking on this project if you are technologically minded. We
hope to have it up in early 2019.
This year our 5 board of directors
meet monthly (and I use the term loosely). There were times when the meeting
was simply an emailed agenda with responses emailed back. Each member choses an
activity or event to get involved in as well as supports the other directors
and projects as able and needed. We do have few directors’ seats open, including
treasurer and secretary. We only require you are an Idaho resident. We need
fresh eyes to help us see further down the path and continue to guide AHWF into
the future.
Speaking
of paths…have you heard? We were so
blessed to find a funder who believed in our vision! The Laura Moore Cunningham
Foundation responded positively to our grant request. During the summer of
2018, volunteers started working on mapping out the 1,000 foot pathway which
winds through open areas and treed sections of the AHWF parcel. These
volunteers have been spreading bark and placing logs along the route. Thank You
Lori, Al, Gabby, Dave, Janie & Clearview girls. Future volunteers will continuing
to add bark, place logs, clear brush as well as tend to flowers and other
plants in the Spring. We hope for an EarthDay grand opening but this will only
take place if we have more help to clear the trail, place bark, & install
signage. At this time, we are roughly halfway complete with the major aspects.
We
are so thrilled with this exciting opportunity, our first step in creating the
first nature center of the Inland Pacific Northwest. The Nature Walk will be a winding trail with differing route options
depending upon ability. We will create informative signs that will provide
images of wildlife species in North Idaho. These signs will also detail other
relevant information such as identification of tracks, scat, vocalizations and
cohabitation pointers. There are four distinct habitats that we want to explain.
This trail will be unique for our community as it will give immediate answers
from the nature guide who will lead small tour groups through the Nature Walk.
The guide will encourage the patrons to consider what they can do to preserve the wild species
and spaces in their neighborhoods.
This nature trail
will be a guided experience that wanders the diverse terrain of our two acre
parcel. It will provide a complete sensory experience to each patron. One guide
will lead one group at a time on this trail and point out the diverse flora and
its importance. The guide will also identify the fauna that inhabit the region
and rely upon the native plants for survival. Detailed signs will also be
placed along the trail. These signs will provide information on native plants,
birds, mammals, as well as methods of soil conservation, water preservation and
timber harvesting. We will encourage school groups to arrange field trips as
well. We feel this project is important because the increased immersion into
nature will create a stronger sense of commitment to the preservation of our North
Idaho environment. Fun facts that you will discover on
the Nature Walk: Chickadees (according Audubon Society) require a landscape
with 70% native plants to keep the population steady. They can drop their body
temperature on winter nights to conserve energy. You will often hear the calls
of separate species of Chickadee. We also have many types of other non-migrants
and migrants.
Did
you know that scientific studies have shown that nature walks among the trees
lowers cortisol levels of the brain? This means the brain is less fatigued. It
also means in areas with nature the children are less likely to have attention
deficit disorders. Of the 54% of Americans concerned about stress in their
lives, two-thirds say they will likely seek help for it. Stress symptoms
include: irritability, insomnia, appetite disturbances, headaches, nervousness,
sadness, etc. Large boosts of mood come
after as little as 5 minutes outside exercising. Nature contributes to well-being
– it reduces blood pressure, heart rate, stress hormone production and muscle
tension. This nature walk is a three purpose project 1) educate us all on how
to cohabitate with our native neighbors and keep North Idaho WILD 2) reduce
stress levels of our human neighbors 3) offering a venue to provide greater
volunteerism. We are eager to offer this experience but we need your help to
complete it first. Call and schedule your time to join others as we clear
brush, place bark, create signage, etc.
Last month we started
the USFWS application paperwork to obtain an educational salvage bird permit.
This would allow us to use assorted bird species in our educational
demonstrations. The birds would be taken to a professional taxidermy studio and
prepared. We feel this is the best option for our group at this time. The use
of live wild animals as display is quite stressful and requires special
temperament. It is also costly to house and care for the animals. Using wild
animals that are being rehabilitated is not permitted. These mounts will be
taken to the library presentations, perhaps the educational group programs and
of course on display for those enjoying the Nature Walk.
Financial
We could not continue without our
amazing donors that contributed once online or directly every month! Some
budget $20 while others are able to send $50. Thank you – every month that
envelope in the mail is our lifeline. We also had folks make large donations.
Additionally in-kind contributions were many and varied. We estimate well over
$3,000 in items & donated fuel was given. Our supporters also saved their
aluminum cans for the ‘coins for cans for critters’ fundraising campaign. Over 150
pounds have been collected and recycled. We still have at least that much to
bring in again. We also have a program established to recycle your technology
devices and ink cartridges.
Additional financial support was
gained through the shopping programs (amazon, benefit mobile, chewy, ebay,
goodworld goodshop, iGive, purium, yokes) as well as online campaigns (idahogives,
breadboost challenge, love animals, givingtuesday, several supporters creating
facebook birthday fundraisers) and AHWF merchandise (café press, teespring, apparal
now ssa store, & lulu).
Steve & Rosemary, Darcy & Randy,
Diane, Shaun, Peter & Pat, Judy, Derek & Jerilyn, Sue, Christina, Tim
& Jacqueline, Iris, Jutta, Melinda, Gabriella, Connie, Bryan, Teresa,
Margaret, Phoebe, Gracie, fishin’ Chris & friends, Mary, Jan, Shari, Cory, Teresa
Fisher Artworks, Susan, Bill, Penny, Julia, Laurie, Beth, Mark & Barb, Kathe,
Marlene, Ben, George, Felicia, Cheyenna, WW, Alfred & Catherine, Jack &
Diane, Cheri, Melinda, Michel, Anja, Margaurite & Thomas, Ashley, Ronda
& Sharon, Amanda, Beata, Margaret, Lynda & Lacy, Gracie, Brooke, Fairchilds,
Dave, 7 Peaks Counseling and Allison – Thank You.
A few volunteers spent many hours
researching and preparing then submitting several grant applications. We are
grateful to Wildlife Conservation Trust for their $5,000 support for our animal
care, for Equinox – Innovia for their $3,000 towards general operating expenses
and of course Laura Moore Cunningham for $10,000 to create the Nature Path. We
will additionally be looking to provide a classroom setting with these funds.
We provided many fundraising opportunities:
Osprey event at the little Panida with Dr. Wayne Melquist, ‘Feed Me’ bbq
sandwich fundraiser, Chocolate covered Pretzels, Bingo Night, Pints for a
Cause, 7B Sunday, Independence Day celebration, the 4th annual comedy show and
silent auction, and the Christmas craft fair where we painted faces and wrapped
gifts. Thank you KLT, ICL, Monarch Market – Ronda & Sharon, Dr.Pepper &
Coca-Cola, Idaho Pour Authority, Our Neck of the Woods, Silverwood, The Last
Resort, PAWS Pet Salon, SEB photography, Webber & Widgren woodworks,
Lakeside Coffee, Bonner County Museum, Teresa Fisher Artworks. Please support
& patronize these fine businesses who generously gave items to help local
wildlife.
Currently we are raffling off a pair
of 2019 silverwood tickets $10 each or 5 for $40. The drawing will be 30 March
2019. We have eight tropical vacations and ticket are only $25 per ticket for these
weeklong resort stays. Drawings will be in the autumn of 2019 & 2020. Reservations
need not be booked until December 2020.
Support is gaining for the black bear enclosure
project. Almost $6,000 has been contributed from supporters the past few years.
We provided you the opportunity to show your support with the #BeardsforBears
#NoShaveNovember campaign, love animals online campaign or purchasing the BEAR
MAMA teeshirt or sweatshirt created by Gracies Art Corner on the TeeSpring
site. Unfortunately on November 27th I was informed that the Idaho State Fish
and Game Commission has decided it will be mirroring a wild animal rehabilitation
policy similar to Montana State’s = NO REHAB OF GAME SPECIES. This means that
the Idaho State commissioners no longer want to allow rehabilitative care of
orphaned white tailed deer fawns, elk fawns, moose calves, cougars, wolves or
bears
We are deeply saddened by this posture
from the state agency for game management. We hope they do not expand that
policy and forbid rehabilitation of all other native wild animals. While our federal
permit is valid through early 2020, the Idaho state rehab permit will need to
be renewed in August 2019. You may recall, in a 2015 Sandpoint magazine article
about wildlife rehabilitation, IDFG regional manager Craig Walker said while he
‘recognizes the social side of wildlife rehabilitation, it is of little value
biologically. Few of the species that end up in area rehab facilities are
endangered or threatened.’ He feels that wild animals should be left alone.
Rarely are there occasions when something should be done.
Perhaps Mr. Walker was not aware that
nationwide over 47,000 animals are assisted by 43 facilities from 28 states
alone. In New York City, an estimated 90,000 birds die from window strikes. One
facility accepted over 6,500 birds this year alone. Wildlife rehabilitation
facilities are world wide – more than 5,000 professionals dedicate their lives
to helping the wild animals that have become victims of the effects of humans
sharing this one planet. Many do this without financial compensation … so it
cost the state nothing to allow care.
Our goal of game mammal rehabilitation
was to expand our ability to help those wild animals in need. The sole purpose
of Idaho Black Bear Rehab in Boise has been to care for ALL bears in need (not
only Idaho’s orphans but other states like Wyoming, Washington, etc.) but they
must be Idaho permitted. The purpose of Mystic Farms in Sagle has been to care
for White Tailed Deer fawns. This year alone they had over a dozen orphans,
without a licensed facility these young animals will suffer needlessly. If this
is the view felt towards game species, perhaps there may be a time when Idaho
Fish and Game does not want to allow any type of rehabilitation.
Our
bylaws at AHWF do not allow us, as a nonprofit, to get involved directly with
politics. I do feel, however, that when a policy is not just, we as individual citizens
have an obligation to inform our representatives. It is then their duty to
represent their constituency. This is why I am now asking, if you feel that
wildlife rehabilitation is important; if you feel that there should be game
mammal rehabilitation in Idaho State; if you want to stand up and be the voice
for our native wild neighbors, please contact the commissioners and
representatives responsible and let them know your views. Virgil Moore is the
current director of IDFG but will be retiring in 2019. Brad Corkill is the IDFG
commissioner for the panhandle region. The 2019 representatives will be Brad
Little-Governor, Russ Fulcher-District 1 state rep., Heather Scott-state rep.
position A, Sage Dixon - state rep. position B, Jim Woodward-state senator.
Submitted by
Kathleen St.Clair-McGee. Lead wildlife specialist volunteer, board president
& cofounder. December 21, 2018
*many
of the statistics provided in the ‘wildlife’ section of this report were taken
from articles, journals and lectures prepared by notable scientists and
wildlife protection agencies. I will be happy to provide the names and titles
if you wish.
