As part of the NRDA (Natural Resource Damage Assessment) process, an open house and meeting were held in Pensacola on Nov. 13, 2012. Audubon Florida was in attendance at this meeting, where trustees heard public input on two proposals.

"This draft plan includes two Early Restoration projects which represent a near-term opportunity to improve the nesting habitats of birds and turtles, two species that are integral to the Gulf Coast wildlife community,” said Cynthia Dohner, Natural Resource Trustee for the Department of the Interior.

One of the projects, if approved, would direct $4.65 million toward restoring nesting habitat for beach nesting birds along the Panhandle over the next 5 years. Director of Wildlife Policy Julie Wraithmell spoke on behalf of Audubon Florida and a dozen members from Francis M. Weston Audubon rose to their feet in a show of support for the project.

Species such the Snowy Plovers and Least Terns suffered nesting setbacks as a result of human impact during the BP Oil spill clean-up.  This setback along with ongoing disturbance and predation paint a gloomy outlook for these tiny beach-dependent birds

“Our desire is to provide these benefits during the next nesting season, but we'd first like to hear from the public. We encourage the public… to give us their comments," said Dohner.

This project would include studies and efforts directed towards disturbance and predator control and could begin if approved early next year.

Please show your support by submitting comments by Dec. 10, 2012- CLICK HERE to use our easy email form.

The presentation from the public meeting can be seen by clicking here.