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Post by Ira Runyan on Oct 3, 2014 10:07:24 GMT -5
The following Message was Posted on our Facebook Group Page......
Posted By Harry Behret
"For those folks who shoot at the Viera Wetlands. The Dan Click Ponds are at their maximum capacity. Hence they will be closed 24/7 until the water level decreases. Once they are re-opened they will be closed at the end of the day when the wetlands are closed. Seems some of the locals were going into the wetlands in the evenings, partying and shooting off firearms"
I was there today and saw no reason to close them, but what can you say..........
According to Harry, "they made the decision yesterday but like many decisions they haven't decided who actually will do the deed".
Apparently, they need to modify the gate to make opening & closing it easy, and they need to purchase a lock for it.
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Post by Ira Runyan on Oct 4, 2014 8:39:25 GMT -5
I have received a message from a birder that the Dan Click Ponds gate is closed today. They did not take very long to take that action...........
Such a shame for the high water provided a great opportunity to get photographs of the birds close. In my opinion all that they needed was to mow the high grass and weeds so that people could see where they were driving. Money shortages however may have prevented that. Hopefully, this closure won't be for long.................
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Post by Ira Runyan on Oct 6, 2014 7:44:56 GMT -5
This morning, Rachel Warner has posted some good news relating to the reopening or the Viera Wetlands and the Dan Click Ponds.
She said:
"Update: Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands and Dan Click Ponds. With dry air and less moisture in the air, both had reopened yesterday to traffic, and will probably be open this week unless it rains hard. Reminder, Dan Click is now closing at night along with the Viera Wetlands, and the volunteers were asked to do this. Thanks again for their continued service. It was good last night to be able to drive through the wetlands at sunset for closer access to our favorite birds. These are flying to "Gator Island" to roost for the night. I prefer to call it "the Bird Hotel." Thanks to Hortensia and John Law for letting me know yesterday in time to catch the sunset."
I went to the wetlands today and found that indeed the wetlands roads were open but, the gate to the Dan Click Ponds remains closed.
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Post by Rich on Oct 29, 2014 19:24:18 GMT -5
I stopped by the office last week to inquire about the reason for, and length of the CP closure. I was given the same reason for the closing, and was told they probably wouldn't open again until January. This info was relayed from an office down the hall, to me via the receptionist. Knowing myself, and my penchant for limited patience when it comes to dealing with Government or for that matter Non-Governmental Organizations I did not inquire further as to why that condition necessitates the closing. I politely said thank you and left the building. I believe that brings the number of gates and barriers in and around the Wetlands to about thirteen, controlled by 3 or 4 different Authorities and an NGO. Perhaps when "progress" and more McMansions gobble up what open spaces and habitat are left in the area they will call it Gatesville. Perhaps us individual birders and photographers who are out there almost every day should form our own group. Most of us have retired. Some of us are physically disabled enough that walking the wetlands, Click Ponds, or MIT is impossible. When they reach a gate it's the end of the road, no further options. So I propose that we form our own NGO. We could call it "ROGAG," Retired Old Guys Against Gates! Had ya going there for a minute didn't I....LOL! Truth of the matter is I'm guessing the January timetable was a guess by TPTB. The water could recede sooner or later.It is also true that the water is very high, see photo. It is well over the large intake pipes in both ponds. Probably within a foot of over topping.  |
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Post by Tom Brewer on Nov 1, 2014 17:13:01 GMT -5
IT AIN'T OVER TIL IT'S OVER---YOGI BERRA
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Post by Ira Runyan on Dec 26, 2014 8:53:01 GMT -5
Apparently, not only have the Dan Click Ponds been closed to vehicle traffic, but I'm hearing that they are now closed to foot traffic!
Rich Eginton posted the following on our Facebook Group Page.........
"A note to anyone thinking of coming to visit the area known as the Viera Wetlands which also encompasses the nearby Click Ponds. You might want to rethink your plans. Add to unpredictability of access to the Wetlands itself the now total lack of access to the Click Ponds and it could make for a disappointing trip.
It would appear that after months of no vehicular access to the Click Ponds because of "High Water," TPTB have now decided to deny even foot traffic. A new fence post with barbed wire has been put in place, and just in case we don't get the hint they have two traffic cones behind the fence. Not being an engineer I gave them the benefit of the doubt when they denied vehicular traffic, plus they said they would reopen in January. Also those of us able to could park nearby and still walk the mile or so around the berms. But now that they've also restricted foot traffic it seems obvious that, for what ever reason, they've just decided to take away one of the few, and often one of the best locations, for people who love to view wildlife."
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Post by billswindaman on Feb 6, 2015 17:34:48 GMT -5
I was disappointed to see this thread having truly enjoyed spending time at the Click ponds last February taking advantage of the wonderful photo opportunities to photograph Sandhill Cranes, White Pelicans and various shorebirds in the calm waters. I am planning on a trip this year in late February/early March. Is there an update on the status of the click ponds or are they still likely to be closed? I assume the main wetlands will be open assuming road/weather conditions permit.
Thanks for any info you can provide!
Bill
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Post by Ira Runyan on Feb 6, 2015 20:21:01 GMT -5
Well Bill, I have some bad news for you. It looks like the Dan Click Ponds will still be closed when you arrive in this area.
No problem with the Viera Wetlands however................
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Post by Tom Brewer on Feb 7, 2015 16:40:30 GMT -5
FROM A KNOWLEDGABLE SOURCE WHO WALKED THERE ON THURSDAY---WITH FULL PERMISSION..............
THE PONDS ARE AT MAXIUM CAPACITY. CURRENT LEVEL IS ABOUT 8 FEET DEEP. THERE ARE NO BIRDS, EXCEPT LITTLE GREEN HERONS AROUND THE EDGES AND CORMORANTS AT THE PUMP STATION. BECAUSE OF THIS YEAR'S RAINFALL, THE USE OF RE-CLAIMED WATER HAS NOT BECOME STRONG YET---MY SOURCE SAYS THAT WHEN THAT DEMAND INCREASES, WATER LEVEL WILL SLOWLY SUBSIDE...YEAH, RIGHT!!!
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