This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Though I'm unfamiliar with mudswallows as a species, much less their status as being endangered, Sherelynn Gray makes an excellent point about the opportunity that awaits the developers of the prison site ("Who will tend the flocks when the prison moves?" April 10).
They might give consideration to habitat restoration and perhaps create habitat as part of their development. In addition to benefiting wildlife, there's plenty of research that supports the mental and physical benefits of human interactions with nature.
Their buildings should be bird safe. Millions of birds die each year in collisions with buildings, while others get trapped in vents and unprotected pipes. Information on bird-safe buildings is readily available (visit American Bird Conservancy for a first step). Finally, the buildings should be constructed to LEED standards, taking the environment and energy into account.
If the prison site is to be developed, then the developers have a unique opportunity to create an environmentally sensitive project that benefits people and the mudswallows.
Tim Brown
Executive Director, Tracy Aviary