Date: 8/5/25 8:14 am From: Andrew Baksh <birdingdude...> Subject: [nysbirds-l] Update on East Pond Conditions – Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Salutations All:
In response to the numerous inquiries I have received, I am writing to
provide you all with an update on the current conditions at the *East Pond*
of *Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge* in Queens, NY, as well as ongoing efforts
to address the challenges we’ve encountered this season.
As many of you know, the annual drawdown of the East Pond is essential to
coincide with the arrival of southbound migrating shorebirds.
Unfortunately, this year we have encountered significant issues due to
problems with the pond’s drainage mechanism. While the *National Park
Service* is fully aware of the situation and has been working to rectify
it, their efforts have been constrained by limited budgets and staff
resources.
The good news is that the pond is indeed draining; however, the rate at
which this is happening falls short of what is required for optimal habitat
conditions, which we achieved in 2024. Over the past weeks, I have been in
regular communication with management, who remain committed to resolving
the problem and restoring the pond to the standards we witnessed in 2024. I
have strongly *emphasized* that it is *unacceptable* for a newly engineered
drainage apparatus to fail in only its second year of operation, and
management is actively pressing the vendor to address and remedy the
situation.
While it is possible that the pond will not return to its 2024 condition in
the immediate term, I want to reassure all of you that every effort is
being made to resolve these issues. Due to the elevated water levels, trail
maintenance has also been delayed, as I have had to wait for specific areas
to dry before beginning work. It also did not help that the AQI (Air
Quality Index) has not been good for outdoor work in recent times,
particularly in sweltering heat. However, I am pleased to share that I have
nearly completed clearing the Southend trails and will continue working to
improve access as conditions allow.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued commitment to our
birding community. I will keep you updated as the situation evolves and
welcome any offline questions or concerns you may have.
With best regards,
Andrew
--
*"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Be that candle." ~ AB*
*"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none but ourselves could free
our mind." ~ Bob Marley*
*"Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but
manifestations of strength and resolution." ~ Khalil Gibran*
*"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the
ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own
abhorrence." ~ Frederick Douglass*
