Broward County Audubon Society fosters conservation through local, regional, national, and global environmental advocacy and activities throughout South Florida, with an emphasis on birds, other wildlife and their habitats.

The Advocacy section of this website provides an overview of five major advocacy areas.  These include Wildlife and Protected Species, Land Conservation and Management, Water Policies, Growth Management and Transportation, and Global Climate Change.  In addition this section discusses the lawmaking process and major laws behind our natural resources.  Conservation in the news is moved from other sections of the website into this one on a quarterly basis. Current action alerts are shown on this home page.

The Birding section features Birding Hotspots in Broward County and where to find birding adventures in Florida, the USA and around the world.  For new birders there are resources such as Essentials for Bird Watching and Listening to Birds.  Photos of birds are found in the Photo Gallery by categories such as Young Birds, Birds in Flight, and Birds Feeding.  Quizzes are being developed for intermediate and advanced birders.  The first quiz is on Warblers.

Audubon in the News is provided by National Audubon Society to Audubon chapter leaders on a weekly basis.  It features Audubon Public Policy, State Programs, Centers, Chapters, and Birding.

TogetherGreen is a new five year joint venture between Toyota and the National Audubon Society.  Broward County Audubon Society received one of the first grants under this program.

This Home Page next provides Action Alerts followed by news and events in Broward County, Florida, and the Nation.

ACTION ALERTS

Coconut Creek Wetlands Threatened

Coconut Creek, FL – The Coconut Creek City Commission has postponed their meeting to decide a re-zoning issue for a proposed shopping center. The Cocomar Plaza proposal has met strong resistance from local residents. The 36 acre site would feature a 170,000 square foot Lowes and a 100,000 square foot Kohls as anchors for the retail center. Residents have expressed outrage over the loss of a naturally forested green space bordering their neighborhood, citing concerns about environmental issues, effect on property values and hazardous impact from increased commercial traffic.
 
At two Creek Planning and Zoning Board meetings the applicant, Regency Centers, has been unsuccessful in overcoming resident’s objections and being granted a change in the current zoning criteria. A public hearing on the matter was scheduled to go before the City Commissioners on August 14th but the city suddenly changed the meeting date to Sept. 11. In response to a resident’s inquiry, City Attorney Paul Stuart gave the following:

“It is the intent of city staff to place this matter on the Sept 11th City Commission agenda for first reading of the ordinance and for a second reading on Sept 25th. This matter has not been tabled by the Commission.”  A resident’s committee has indicated that the delay will give them more time to prepare their case in opposition to the zoning change.

One group seeking your help on this issue has further details at http://www.coconutcreekfl.org.  To read the latest press releases about this issue  click here or here.

Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act

Laws come up for reauthorization on a regular basis and support for it has to be present for its continuance.  Since 2002 the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has benefitted 3 million acres of migratory bird habitat through conservation projects in 44 states and territories as well as 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries, and 12 Canadian provinces.  Essential conservation projects remain unfunded.  Congressmen Ron Kind (D-WI) and Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) have introduced HR 5756 to reauthorize this important Act at increased funding levels.  This is one of the most important bird conservation bills for Congress this session.  Contact your representative and ask for their support.  Visit Wildlife Action Center for further details and sample letters.

Other Action Needed

Defenders of Wildlife monitor legislative initiatives nationwide related to wildlife.  They have a concise listing of current actions needed and links to further information and how to act now.  Visit them at http://www.defenders.org and click on Take Action to Help Wildlife.

Conservation Land Amendment #4

Thanks to the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, on November 4, 2008, Florida voters will help decide whether to pass the Conservation Land Amendment 4 to Florida's Constitution.  Why is this amendment needed?  Citizens for Conservation Land Inc. provide the following rationale.

"Private landowners protect and manage some of Florida's best wildlife habitat.  Some have placed large parcels of land in permanent protected status with conservation easements.  Others use their land primarily for the benefit of wildlife, water resources and outdoor recreation.  As Florida grows, valuable habitat is being converted to other uses.  In many cases local property taxes lead people, who would otherwise manage their land for wildlife and water protection, to convert it to other uses.  To encourage private stewardship of wildlife habitat and water resrouces, Florida's leading conservation groups urged the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission to place an amendment on the November 2008 ballot to reduce the property tax burden on privately owned conservation land.

Amendment 4, if approved by 60% of the voters, will do two things: Give property tax exemptions for land placed in permanent protection [and] Direct the Legislature to pass a law to allow land managed for conservation to be taxed according to use. 

Amendment 4 will benefit the Florida Panther, the Florida Black Bear, many bird species and special places such as the greater Everglades ecosystem, and will help protect our water supplies.

Amendment 4 holds great promise to supplement public land acquisition programs such as Florida Forever by providing incentives to private landowners to conserve their land and manage land for conservation purposes."

Organizations who have already endorsed this amendment include Florida Wildlife Federation, Audubon of Florida, The Nature Conservancy, and National Wildlife Federation. 

Click here for details on how the proposed language will revise the State Constitution.

BROWARD COUNTY NEWS

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

The following educational events are scheduled in August at 1801 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432.  To reserve a spot call (561) 338=1473.  Details are at http://www.gumbolimbo.org.

-- Adventures in Marine Biology (ages 13-15), Aug 23, 10-12
-- Dune Crossings, (ages 7-12), Aug. 21, 4-6pm
-- Summer Herbs (adults), Aug 30, 10:30am-noon

Broward County Environmental Meet-ups

On August 20th from 7:30-9pm at Pompano Beach participants will have a movie and product night with reviews of two DVDs: (1) "Healthy You, Healthy Home, Healthy Planet" and (2) "The Real Dirt on Clean".  Learn more at http://environment.meetup.com/21/calendar/8427535/.

On August 23rd at 10:30am the meet-up will focus on chemicals in the home and business that may be toxic.  Attendees will learn how to save money on household products, reduce landfill waste, and elminate greenhouse gas.  For details go to http://environment.meetup.com/21/calendar/8427206/.

On August 25th at 7:30pm there will be a teleconference on how to help people change the use of harmful chemicals.  When you RSVP yes or maybe, you will receive an email a couple days before the conference call from FreeConference.com.  This will give you the access code and a link to click on during the call to view a Power Point presentation.  Learn more at http://environment.meetup.com/21/calendar/8427274/.

Coral Reef Identification Class

On August 27, 5-9pm and December 17, 12-4pm the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will provide free educational classes on Coral Reef Identification.  The course introduces participants to approximately 30 species of stony corals found in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin Counties. Participants will receive a resource CD-ROM of images from the course and take a test at the end. This class is part of the International Year of the Reef. Contact Christopher.Boykin@dep.state.fl.us to reserve your spot. For further details go to http://www.iyor.org or http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral

Budget Cuts Affect Broward County Parks

Everglades Gift

Florida and the nation's biggest sugar grower have agreed on a proposal that permits a buyout of 187,000 acres of farmland.  Governor Crist said: "I can envision no better gift to the Everglades or the people of Florida than to place in public ownership the missing link that represents the key to true restoration."

Adopt-a-tree

Free trees are available to individuals owning residential property in Miami-Dade County with sufficient room to plant trees.  Evidence of ownership  such as a utility bill and photo identification are required.   On Saturday, September 13th, 9am to noon at Harris Field Barn Pavillion, 1034 NE 8th Street, Homestead, you can pick up Inkwood, Jamaica, Dogwood, Lancepod, Sugar Apple, or Avocado.

Matheson Hammock/Fairchild Tropical Garden Bird Walk
 
On Saturday, September 6 from 10-11:30am John Boyd will lead birders through Matheson Hammock and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Tropical Audubon Society (TAS) members are meeting at 7:30am in the parking area on the left inside the Matheson north entrance.  TAS website is http://www.tropicalaudubon.org.

Cutler Bay Birding
 
On Sunday,September 7, at 7:30am Tropical Audubon Society (TAS) birders will travel to varied locations in Cutler Bay. Roberto Torres will lead. Birders are meeting at Bill Sadowski Park, 17555 SW 79 Ave., at 7:30am. Other stops may include Black Point, Dump Marsh, and Cutler Wetlands. Bring lunch. Walkie-talkies are recommended. TAS website is http://www.tropicalaudubon.org

TAS Monthly Meeting
 
On Wednesday, September 10 at 7:30pm Tropical Audubon Society will have its monthly meeting. Laura Reynolds will recap her two field seasons spent in Alaska, complete with tundra plant ID, birding summary, science and where to go if you visit. Membership meetings are open to the public and held at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive, near Red Road. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show beginning at 8pm. Call (305) 667-7337 for more information. TAS web site is http://www.tropicalaudubon.org.

Audubon Climate Change Forum

On September 12, 2008 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. there will be an Audubon Climate Change Forum featuring speakers such as professor emeritus, Allen Tilley, Tom Larson, and Pete Johnson.  The event is being held at the University of Florida, University Center-Room 1058 at 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL . The public is invited free of charge. To see the flier for this event, click here.  Note that RSVP is recommended but optional.  RSVP to petejohnson71@gmail.com.  The event is sponsored by Audubon of Florida, Duval Audubon, the UNF Environmental Center, and Sierra Club Northeast Florida Group. 

Everglades Water Quality & STAs

South Florida Water Management Department has published an update on efforts to cleanup phosphorus in the Everglades. The article highlights workhorses at Stormwater Treatment Areas 3/4. Here are excerpts from their article published in August 2008 at http://www.sfwmd.gov .
              
"West Palm Beach, FL — Only a year ago, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) airlifted aquatic vegetation to finish revitalizing the largest constructed wetland in the world in a continuing and successful effort to clean Everglades-bound water.

District data already show measurable progress at the 17,000-acre wetland, known as Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) 3/4, and several other gigantic marshes as they work to remove excess phosphorus from stormwater runoff.  Phosphorus is a nutrient that in excess can harm the Everglades ecosystem.

From January through July 2008, the average phosphorus level at 14 monitoring stations within the interior marsh of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge — which receives water cleansed by two STAs — has been less than 8 parts per billion (ppb). (The exact reading is 7.7 ppb.) That number is well below the stringent federal and state mandated target of 10 ppb. The most recent monthly measurement, for July 2008, shows an average phosphorus
level of 9.2 ppb.

Phosphorus levels in the Refuge have continued a significant downward trend since February 1999, based on measurements at the 14 monitoring sites....

The encouraging drop in phosphorus is due in great part to the effectiveness of the STAs. These engineered marshlands standing between Lake Okeechobee and the southern Everglades are planted with vegetation that takes up phosphorus from surface water runoff before it flows into the Everglades. The District currently operates approximately 45,000 acres of STAs south of the lake.

Since inception, the STAs have retained more than 1,000 metric tons of
phosphorus that would have otherwise entered the Everglades. These massive wetlands have also become a haven for wildlife, particularly wading birds and migratory waterfowl. Many of the STAs have been opened to the public for recreation such as hiking, biking and bird watching....

The District continues to build on the knowledge and experience of operating STAs. Scientists and engineers work to maintain a balance of plant life in the wetlands so the systems can continue removing phosphorus over many years.

These water quality improvements are being achieved through a commitment by the State of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District, which have invested $1.8 billion for this effort."

Code Pink

The decline of the roseate spoonbill, an Everglades icon, could signal an ecosystem collapse was written by Amy Leinbach Marquis, Assistant Editor, National Parks Magazine, a publication of the National Parks Commission Association. Here are a few excerpts.  For the complete article go to: http:/www.npca.org/magazine/2008/summer/code-pink.html.

"When spoonbills aren’t busy guarding their chicks, nestled atop mangrove islands, they’re wading patiently in the shallows, nipping at fish and snails with a long, rounded beak that gives them their name. In breeding season, their pink plumage blushes to shades of orange, earning the folk name “flamebird.” But that fire is fading: Spoonbills are fleeing Florida Bay in droves. And that’s not a good sign for Everglades National Park....

But spoonbills lost much of their foraging habitat with Florida’s development boom. Builders drained wetlands, set up flood control systems, and rerouted freshwater sources to thirsty new residents throughout the state; by the 1980s, two-thirds of Florida Bay’s freshwater source had been diverted to these new developments. It’s thought that the increased salinity levels changed the habitat so drastically that spoonbills could no longer find enough food for their young. So the spoonbill population plummeted again, and in the late 1980s, Audubon estimated that just 600 nests remained in Florida Bay. In the 1990s that number fell to about 450, and this year, the count dropped to 260....

For now, the devastation is isolated to Florida Bay. In fact, statewide, the roseate spoonbill population is actually growing as birds from Florida Bay move north to Tampa and other locations, where nesting conditions are more stable despite neighboring power plants and bustling suburbs. Such adaptations are a good sign for the species, but a bad sign for the Everglades. Spoonbills, which Lorenz calls the “pink canary in the coalmine,” rely on the same food and resources as bald eagles, great white herons, crocodiles, West Indian manatees, and game fish, among others. If spoonbills are struggling, the entire ecosystem is too."

'I think we’re on the precipice of another catastrophic environmental turnover like we saw in the early nineties,' Lorenz says. 'The bay didn’t die—biologically it was quite alive—it just turned into something it had never been and wasn’t supposed to be. Instead of sea grasses and wildlife, it was dominated by micro-algae. All the fish left, all the birds left. And that’s right where we are again.'

In 2000, Congress passed the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan—the largest ecosystem restoration program ever undertaken in the world. It aims to fix the Everglades by restoring the flow of freshwater—although doing so is a complicated process. With the canal system currently in place, putting water back into Florida Bay on the cheap could flood farms and neighborhoods.

'The Everglades is seen as a test for how we can undo damage done by past generations,' says Sara Fain, NPCA’s Everglades Restoration program manager. 'We need a sustained commitment from our state and federal governments to ensure restoration of the habitat that is critical to protecting the spoonbills.' The species could make a comeback in as few as five years if legislators choose to properly fund the restoration. If not, the park might very well lose an icon species...."

NATIONAL NEWS

DEP RECEIVES $2.57 MILLION GRANT FOR FLORIDA COASTS

--Federal award will help restore coastal resources and assist coastal communities--