Enjoy this report from the recent meetings from Audubon of Florida's regional conservation committees:
NW RCC - The Chapters from the Northwest Florida region spent some of their time in a group bird walk at Falling Waters State Park in Chipley, noting limited bird activity due to the excellent weather. The group walked to the sinkhole region and boardwalks, where they saw or heard Pileated Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Rufous-sided Towhee, among other species.
NE Florida RCC was hosted in Fort White by Four Rivers Audubon. Lured inland by a kayaking trip down the Ichetucknee River coastal chapters experienced first hand some of the conservation issues affecting Florida Springs. Audubon Policy Associate Monique Borboen and RCC Chair Diane Reed led the meeting which included a discussion about the potential impact of the recently issued 155 million gpd 20 year Consumptive Use Permit issued to JEA in Jacksonville. Chapter reports then highlighted local conservation issues and actions. The reward... a guided tour and time to relax on the Ichetucknee River. It was a perfect day to reflect on why Audubon chapters work so hard to protect these SPECIAL PLACES!
Central Florida RCC - How will new legislation change the way we do business in FL? Director of Advocacy Charles Lee gave the members of the Central Region RCC some materials to prepare for the discussion that RCC co-chairs Jens Tripson and Bob Stamps would lead this past Saturday. It is clear that with the changes the Florida legislature has enacted that Audubon chapters must focus activities at the local level and get involved early and rigorously to protect Florida's flora and fauna. The meeting was hosted by Oklawaha Valley Audubon (OVAS). Representatives from seven of the 12 regional chapters met at the Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustus, a Nature Center founded by Ocklawaha Valley Audubon, and, gave their chapters reports and discussed common conservation issues. This lovely venue is a meeting place for OVAS and a focus of their conservation activities. It is a yet another one of Florida's Special Places.
Gulf Coast RCC - What a way to start the day! Before the sun was too hot Gulf Coast RCC attendees had the opportunity to visit the largest Least Tern (LETE) rooftop nesting colony in Pinellas County. Complete with a Least Tern chick rescue, a lesson in using the chick-a-boom and a peep at birds on their nests (courtesy of RCC Co-chair Dave Kandz with his clever video-cam-on-a-pole) everyone was able to experience the wonder and challenges these colonies face. Bonnie Jenks (coordinating the 36 volunteer chick checkers at this site) was giving Cynthia Kluss a chick a boom lesson that we caught on video. Caution...please do not try this at home. Although the rooftops in an industrial complex may not seem so special to us they are certainly a SPECIAL PLACE for these birds.
The group then adjourned to John Hood's (the other Co-chair) home for the more serious part of the meeting. It is no wonder that much of the conversation was about Beach Nesting Birds and what chapters are trying to do to protect them. Marianne Korosy, Audubon's new IBA also led a very dynamic discussion connecting chapters with Important Bird Areas along the Gulf Coast. Chapter Conservation Manager Jacqui Sulek recognized the tremendous efforts the Gulf Coast Chapters are making during this critical nesting season.
For a great video of the Gulf Coast RCC working on their "chick-a-booms" click here!
Everglades Region - Chapters from Miami to Martin County attended the RCC meeting held at Long Key Natural Area in Davie. Chapters present were Tropical Audubon, South Florida Audubon, Audubon of Martin County and Audubon Society of the Everglades and Everglades Policy Associate Megan Tinsley provided the staff input and support. Topics discussed included a number of controversial issues proposed for the region including a wind farm in EAA, continuing discussions about building golf courses in state parks, a combined solar and natural gas power plant in primary panther habitat in Hendry County, the effort to establish Everglades Headwaters Refuge, among many others. However, there was plenty of time for chapter conservation reports and camaraderie!
