Legislation introduced in the Florida House and Senate last week proposes to site five golf courses by Jack Nicklaus in Florida State Parks. The preambles to the bills suggest Nicklaus’ previous courses were environmentally sensitive because they were endorsed by “Audubon International.”
Audubon International is an entity which is not related to the conservation organizations Audubon of Florida, National Audubon Society or Audubon chapters in Florida, commonly referred to as “Audubon.” While some golf courses may work to reduce their “footprint” by limiting irrigation, limiting fertilizer use, and attempting to create habitat, Audubon does not certify them.
Read on for details.
NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY STATEMENT ON AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL
New York, NY, The National Audubon Society (Audubon) was founded in 1905 for the purpose of conserving and restoring natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife, and their habitats. Audubon is supported by over 400,000 members with state offices, programs, and 500 chapters across the country.
Audubon receives many calls and letters from people who have confused Audubon with a different organization calling itself Audubon International. Since its inception in 1991, Audubon International, funded in part by the United States Golf Association, has been certifying golf courses that pay an annual membership fee as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries. Similar fee-based certifications are available from Audubon International to developers of cemeteries, municipal parks, campgrounds, resorts, stores, industrial facilities, marinas, residential communities and preparatory schools.
Audubon is not associated with Audubon International in any way. Audubon does not certify golf courses, or any other development, as being environmentally sound. Indeed, Audubon very often opposes such development. Furthermore, Audubon sanctuaries are protected natural spaces for public enjoyment. No Audubon sanctuary is certified for development.
We ask your cooperation and care in distinguishing between Audubon and Audubon International, and in clarifying that these various certification programs are not endorsed or supported by Audubon.
