Date: 10/9/26 2:18 pm From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Fort Rosecrans Cemetery access issues--PLEASE READ
For many years now, we have been under an "understood" agreement with Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery that birders are permitted on site before 8AM and after 5PM. Sometimes a few folks stay just a little later or arrive a little early, and on rare occasion we have gotten clearance to stand in one corner before or after hours because a specific very rare bird was present. BUT, a small number of birders have sometimes continued to "blatantly" walk around the cemetery during restricted hours, with binoculars and large camera in hand, which is clearly inappropriate. BUT, just in the past several days, a couple new, potentially more restrictive measures have been relayed to birders on site. Someone working in the office told folks that NO photography is permitted, although that has never been an issues in the past. Clearly, birders should never be seen taking photos anywhere near a ceremony or next to people visiting a grave site. But otherwise, we have never had a problem. And then earlier today, one of the grounds keepers approached several birders and told them they could not walk around on the grass and near the headstones, but had to stay on the paved roads! Obviously, if this became a rule that would ruin much of the birding at the cemetery.
As a result, here are a couple suggestions:
1) Probably best to keep a lower profile there the rest of the fall season, so if you aren't truly desperate to bird there and are just looking for a place to visit for some birding, please consider going somewhere else.
2) Under NO circumstances bring up visitation with the authorities, as we should hope that the status quo remains, and it is absolutely not worth stirring the pot.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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