ANC02 Pocosin Lakes

The Pocosin Lakes refuge in eastern North Carolina is winter home to more than 100,000 swans, geese and other large waterfowl. Construction of a nearby landing strip is opposed by landowners, environmentalists and wildlife advocates, as well as Gov. Easley, who has called on Congress to block $10 million in federal funding for that site. Among the biggest concerns cited by opponents is the risk of birds colliding with jets - a problem that can cause jets to crash. To reduce the risk, the Navy has proposed that farmers plant less enticing food crops near the airstrip in the hope that this will discourage the birds from flocking near the runway. Beyond that, the Navy has proposed using dogs and fireworks to scare off birds, and potentially resorting to poison and firearms.