A Statement from Audubon Florida Regarding “Axe Alligator Alcatraz”

Hopefully, many of you may have already seen this statement. If not, Audubon Florida just released a new statement regarding the shocking development that is taking place in south Florida. Here is the full statement from Audubon Florida.

"For 125 years in Florida, Audubon has worked in partnership to advance durable conservation solutions which benefit birds, habitat and people. We were on the front lines in 1968 when bulldozers began clearing a massive tract of Everglades land for what was to become a regional airport hub between Miami and Naples, known as “The Jetport.” Back then, there were no modern environmental assessments, permitting requirements with teeth, or substantial public transparency, but Floridians rallied and thwarted this catastrophic proposal that would have meant, in the words of the Nixon Administration’s Leopold Report, “death for the Everglades.” Any proposal for the use of this site in the middle of Big Cypress National Preserve should be considered with the transparency, accountability, and environmental review that modern Floridians now expect, and that our Everglades deserve. We believe the establishment of a detention center at this site is moving forward with haste and has not met these expectations.

While Audubon recognizes the state’s authority under emergency order to fast track this work for temporary site use, we oppose this use for the site and urge the administration to simultaneously evaluate capacity needs and alternative locations. A priority should be placed on more economical and resilient site options without substantial risk to the public’s investment in Everglades Restoration or the residents of the nearby Miccosukee Indian Village. The Everglades is the foundation of South Florida’s quality of life, economic prosperity, and drinking water."

"Alternatives exist, and there is only one Everglades."

I sincerely hope that you can pass this on to all of your members. Even though construction has started on this project, and it's scheduled to open tomorrow, the fight against this senseless detention camp is far from over.

Thanks for reviewing this message,

John Nelson

Chapter Director

Audubon Florida 

Visit our YouTube Channel

Videos especially for and by St. Lucie Audubon are being collected and shared on our own YouTube Channel. www.youtube.com/@St.LucieAudubonSociety-kz4yc. Compiled by SLA Board Member John Nelson, these will be a chance to share videos of special interest to our group.

Travel Down Memory Lane with Hart Rufe

Birding advice by the late St. Lucie Audubon columnist Hart Rufe is timeless. His columns and fantastic photographs continue to educate and charm area … and far-flung … birders.

Those who want more of his work are invited to check out his book.

Hart’s columns and a link to purchase his book.