Margie Rhodes: Protecting our world

The April 18 news article “Endangered bird threatens model airplane club at Jordan Lake” was interesting.

The N.C. Forestry Service asked them to stop using the area in about four months. It seems there is a rare bird, difficult to track, using the area.

The Flying Tigers have used the land for 24 years, so they have feelings about leaving. Naturally they feel like they have priority, after so many years of free use. Free use. No contract, no rights, no responsibilities.

The forestry service has been generous, giving them months’ notice. The bird that is using the area needs protection.

Instead of “negotiating” with the forestry service, the Flying Tigers owe it a great debt of gratitude. Thanks for protecting a rare bird. Thanks for doing their job.

We all have much to learn about practicing what we preach. We must take care of our world. Our plants and animals. And in this case, our Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Even when it imposes on us.

This story was originally published April 23, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Margie Rhodes: Protecting our world."