Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center

TWREC Limits Admission to Birds of Prey, Waterfowls, Bats

At its October meeting the TWREC Board of Directors unanimously voted to restrict admissions of wildlife to birds of prey, waterfowl and bats. This decision was made after considerable discussion, discussion that we've engaged in over the past few years. The reasons to do so are many. But ultimately it has to do with providing the best care that we can to the wild animals in a way that can be sustained for the long run.

The simplest explanation for our decision has to do with maintaining a sufficient level of funding and volunteers. We, as many non-profits in the area, have experienced declines in funding as prices have gone up. Volunteers notice the pinch at the gas station; affecting their ability to trek out the Center. In fact, we consider ourselves fortunate for the great volunteers, contributors, interns, and others that continue to help us out. Two of our neighboring wildlife rehab facilities shut down totally to new patients toward the end of the summer while we remained open. Others in the state have also closed their doors, some permanently.

But as important a reason is that the responsibility at Tamarack, in the end, falls on the shoulder of one person - our licensed rehabilitator and president, Sue DeArment. She must train and guide the actions of every person who commits to working at TWREC. She is the one who must evaluate the medical needs of each patient. Volunteers typically are long gone by evening, leaving Sue responsible for both on-site care and to respond to evening and night calls for assistance. And she must do this while pursuing a full time career that provides a steady income. We recognize the high potential for burnout in the field of wildlife rehab - by focusing on Sue's passion and widely recognized expertise in birds of prey and waterfowl we hope to ensure her presence in the field for years to come. Our continued ability to accept bats comes from a similar passion for that species by assistant rehabilitator Linda Lacny.

The Board of Directors is committed to finding ways to expand our patient intake policies; and we will remain flexible to making changes as soon as opportunities arise. We hope to seek out and mentor potential assistant rehabbers; particularly those who would like to specialize in small mammals. As funding changes (perhaps enough funding for staffing more than our limited summer hires), or with the right volunteers, we look to be able to do more on-site. In the meantime, while we find it heartbreaking to have to say we can't help every animal in need; we know it will result in a far greater level of care of the wildlife we do accept and it will help us stay around for the long run.

Jack Kerlin, Vice President
Terry McCammon, Treasurer
Nancy Thall, Secretary
Craig Hamilton, Financial Advisor