Speaking in public can be difficult. Addressing a subject as controversial as public beach driving is even more so...

Nevertheless, close to 20 courageous Audubon advocates, from five Northeast Florida chapters, stood up to the task and spoke for the birds at a public meeting to comment on the Fort Matanzas National Monument draft management plan.

Joined by the South Anastasia Community Association, the Environmental Youth Council, Friends of the Guano Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Sierra Club, turtle patrol volunteers, surfers, and many private citizens, our wildlife advocates opposed reinstating beach driving in the park. They also encouraged increased natural resources protection and interpretation at this important natural area.

Between the two public meetings, a solid majority of people spoke against driving at the Monument's beach. Audubon staff is confident that this is representative of the vast majority of citizens and tourists who want to use National Parks to recreate in a quiet, serene, safe, and natural setting...with an understand of the importance of conservation lands for wildlife survival.

Thank you to our advocates! We hope that Fort Matanzas National Monument visitors will never see again a Least Tern trying to find her chick among tire ruts. Instead, we hope they will be able to enjoy the gorgeous scenery the park’s remarkable orange and white beach offers.

Please stay tuned to this blog in the coming days for your opportunity to send written comments on the Fort Matanzas National Monument draft management plan.