SELAH -- For the past 11 years, Marsha Flamm has rescued and rehabilitated birds of prey through the Raptor House Rehab Center in east Selah.

But unless she obtains additional funding -- and soon -- she may have to close as early as next year.

"For 11 years my husband has supported it," said the 35-year-old Flamm. "It's time to say, 'Enough.'"

Flamm founded the nonprofit organization, and although she has a small group of volunteers who occasionally help her out, she is responsible for its day-to-day operations. Her duties include feeding the raptors a daily diet of frozen chickens, rabbits and mice. She administers their medications, keeps a detailed chart on their health and writes content for her Web site and newsletters.

As a licensed rehab center with the state and federal government, her name appears on a list and is published online. That way, if people find an injured bird they can contact her directly or get her information from the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Flamm trains some of the birds for educational programs, where children are taught about the raptors and their role in the environment.

Teaching -- and releasing birds back into the wild -- are what she most enjoys about her job.

"There is a feeling when you can take something that is broken and you can fix it," said Flamm, who has three children. "That is the most rewarding, watching the bird fly off and get a second chance."

Fourteen birds, including hawks, falcons and owls, are now in her care. Monthly expenses total about $1,200. To raise funds, she has hosted open houses and has received some public and private donations. She also receives a small amount of money from the sale of Raptor House wines at Costco.

But the bulk of her funding comes from her husband, Mark, who manages land in Toppenish for Roy Farms.

"What makes her happy makes me happy," Mark said about his financial support. "She puts her heart into it. I couldn't do what she does."

Directors with other Northwest rehabilitation centers say Flamm's plight is far from unique.

Louise Shimmel founded the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Ore., 18 years ago and rehabilitates up to 200 orphaned, sick and injured raptors each year. Her annual budget is $250,000, and she works with 60 volunteers and the full-time equivalent of 2.5 paid staff members.

Organizations such as hers aren't funded by the state or federal government, she said. That means she depends heavily on fundraisers, corporate sponsors and public and private donations to stay open.

"Unless you have an endowment, most people really struggle," said Shimmel, who serves as the center's executive director. "It's a full-time job justifying keeping the operation going. There is no easy money."

Lynn Tompkins agrees. As director of Blue Mountain Wildlife in Pendleton, Ore., she said she's constantly thinking of ways to generate the $100,000 she needs each year. Despite having worked in the industry for 21 years, she still hasn't mastered the art of running a business, she said.

"We're always figuring out ways to raise money," Tompkins said. "Pats on the back don't pay the bills. It just takes time. Word of mouth is pretty slow, but it works."

Tompkins said she talks with Flamm regularly, and the two try to help one another any way they can.

"I try to encourage her," Tompkins said. "Marsha is very good at what she's doing. We definitely need her."

If she were to shut her doors, Flamm fears more people would take in injured birds as their pets. Not only is that illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it's dangerous.

"With birds of prey, they do imprint on people," Flamm said. "They become very dangerous when they're sexually mature. They can slash your ear, your face, they can handcuff you. They are not fun to deal with."

Despite the money problems, Flamm still has hopes for expanding her business. She dreams of building more hawk houses and a flight pen. She also wants to open a vet hospital and living quarters for interns on her property.

But she can't pay for all this on her own.

"I'm falling behind," she said. "I'm getting older and I'm getting tired. I love the birds, but unless I get some community help, I can't do it anymore."

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.

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