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Editor: Maria Quasius | January 2011 |
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Message from the President
Our annual meeting will be April 9th, look to a postcard coming your way with the details. The meeting coincides with the culmination of the Birdathon, and our annual dinner. The meeting will include the election of officers, so be sure to contact ASWF if you have an interest in serving. Pete and Maria Quasius head the nominating committee.
We are taking nominations for the Conservationist of the Year, also to be awarded at the annual meeting on April 9th. If you have a nominee, contact ASWF with an email (or letter) with your name and contact information, and the nominee's name, contact information, and a brief (not to exceed 200 words) description of the person's actions that exemplify the Conservationist of the Year.
We had our first meeting at the Calusa Nature Center, home of our meetings for so many years. The program on Climate Change and Resiliency in SWFla, presented by Dr Lisa Beever, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, was thought provoking and brought forth many questions. Look to ASWF and CHNEP websites for more information on this transforming subject.
Speaking of the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, the Audubon Aviary is in need of updating. The structure was largely built through the efforts of ASWF, it is 30 years old, houses over 100 birds which cannot be released, and is showing age and wear and tear. The materials for updating the Aviary have been donated, (more information on the donation in an upcoming article), but there is no funding for labor. Your executive committee will be discussing among its fundraising efforts how to assist in the rebuilding of the Audubon Aviary.
Wayne
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Message from Alan Keller Southwest Florida Chapters' Representative on the Audubon of FLorida Board of Directors.
On January 6-8 the Everglades Coalition held its 26th Annual Conference. The Coalition is composed of 53 local, state, and national environmental groups dedicated to full restoration of the Greater Everglades ecosystem from the Kissimmee basin to Lake Okeechobee, to the estuaries, through the River of Grass out to Florida Bay and the Keys. Five area Audubon representatives from southwest Florida attended the Conference, Brad Cornell and Pete Quasius, Policy and Advocacy Officers for Collier County Audubon, Alan Keller, President of Collier Audubon and Sarah Larsen and Maria Quasius of ASWF. Members of west coast Audubon chapters may wonder why we invest time on issues which at first glance seem geographically remote. The answer lies in the seamless interrelationships between Everglades ecosystems and those in coastal southwest Florida. Survival of bird and animal species in Collier and Lee counties depend in part on the health of the greater Everglades. Water quantity and quality in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties is related to the fate of the Everglades. Water from Lake Okeechobee is essential for the health of the Caloosahatchee estuary and for beaches in those three counties, yet too much nitrogen laden water is released down the Caloosahatchee during wet seasons while too little clean water is released during dry periods.
At this year's Conference it was encouraging to observe that virtually all governmental agencies and environmental groups reached consensus that effective Everglades restoration will require multiple actions including: reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from the Kissimmee basin; water treatment; water storage (to permit timely flow down the Caloosahatchee and to the south from Lake Okeechobee); establishing a flow way south; and bridging US 41 so that it no longer blocks water flow into Everglades National Park. However, it was discouraging to hear from many authorities that adequate funding will be difficult to acquire.
It was observed that the "freshmen class" of politicians at federal and state levels is far less informed about environmental issues and more inclined to view regulations as impediments to job creation and "progress" than its predecessors. Hence we were exhorted to encourage our memberships to "educate" our new governor, Florida legislators, and U.S. congresspersons on the facts that ill advised environmental destruction in favor of poorly designed/inappropriately situated "development" is economically counterproductive and that investment in environmental restoration is a very effective job creation strategy. Important studies, available through The Everglades Foundation, were presented demonstrating, for example, that for every dollar invested in Everglades restoration between four and six dollars in economic benefit are generated. Hopefully the new politicians, who are rightfully "bottom line" oriented, will respond to information demonstrating that environmental restoration/conservation is one of most effective economic engines available.
Alan Keller
(Keller is the new Audubon of Florida/Florida Audubon Society Board Member representing southwest Florida. He would be happy to hear from members of chapters in the area about concerns that might wish to bring to the attention of the Board and can be reached at ackeller298@comcast.net or 239-263-2643).
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Commissioner Ray Judah gets Public Service Award
at Everglades Coalition Conference for his environmental advocacy efforts. Here's an example of why he received the award.
Ray Judah: Water managers continue to cheat Caloosahatchee, environment
Ray Judah · Special to news-press.com · January 19, 2011
At their Jan. 13 meeting, the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, with the exception of Chairman Eric Buermann and West Coast representative Charles Dauray, rejected reconsideration of water releases from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee River. The lake water level is generally managed between 12.5 and 15.5 feet, but is at 12.43 feet.
The SFWMD's decision to effectively shut off environmental releases to the Caloosahatchee while continuing to provide 100 percent allocation of water to agriculture in the Everglades Agricultural Area south of the lake and to utilities on the east coast, reflects blatant inequity of water distribution to natural systems.
The SFWMD uses the term "shared adversity" to justify excessive or no releases to the Caloosahatchee and coastal estuaries.
However, it is apparent that only Lee County shares the adversity and devastation to our environment. While the SFWMD is quick to cut off flow to the Caloosahatchee, there are no water restrictions or conservation limits imposed on agriculture, and the SFWMD continues to allow east coast counties, such as Palm Beach, to irrigate landscaping three days a week while Lee County residents comply with year-round irrigation restrictions of two days a week under a local ordinance since 2005.
Coastal residents understand that excessive releases of water laden with phosphorous and nitrogen from Lake Okeechobee during the wet season results in harmful algae blooms, fish kill and increased frequency of red tide.
Less understood is that a minimum flow of freshwater during the dry season is critical to maintaining salinity levels for the health, productivity and function of the Caloosahatchee and coastal estuaries.
Minimum flow is needed to sustain optimum salinity levels for submerged aquatic vegetation, prevent toxic algae blooms, and reduce risk of high chloride concentration resulting in costly operations or closure of the Olga Water Treatment Plant.
Freshwater tapegrass is an important indicator of healthy conditions in the upper estuary of the Caloosahatchee. Tapegrass provides critical nursery habitat for snook, redfish, shrimp and the larvae of stone and blue crabs.
Manatees feed on the grass blades but, in the absence of the plants, are forced to migrate 20 miles downriver to find food. This travel distance requires the manatee to expend precious energy during cold winter months and increases risk of manatee/boat collisions.
Recent scientific assessment of conditions in the Caloosahatchee by the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation indicate that the current salinity level is between 14 and 16 parts per thousand. Tapegrass becomes stressed and dies back above 10 ppt.
Hundreds of acres of tapegrass in the upper estuary have been lost due to disruptive rate and volume of freshwater flow from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee.
Minimum flows are necessary to ensure tapegrass recovery when conditions improve. Without these flows, the Caloosahatchee will again experience the buildup of blue green algae that is a public health threat and lethal to fish and wildlife.
In 2009, during a prolonged dry season, Lee County government appealed to the United States Army Corp of Engineers to overrule the SFWMD decision to stop fresh water releases from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee.
The SFWMD argued that releases to the Caloosahatchee would be detrimental to agriculture.
Fortunately, the USACOE exercised their authority to support freshwater releases on three separate occasions. These freshwater releases totaled 1.02 inches from Lake Okeechobee. The sugar cane industry, with the primary crop in the Everglades Agricultural Area, enjoyed one of their most productive years on record.
Such findings proved that the survival of our river and estuaries is measured in inches.
The Caloosahatchee and coastal estuaries are critical to our environment and economy. Tragically, the cycle of destruction to our quality of life will continue as the sugar industry, the largest abuser and user of the Lake Okeechobee water supply, and with greatest political influence, will continue to squeeze the lifeblood from our community.
Lake Okeechobee is a public resource but continues to be managed for private interests.
- Ray Judah is Lee County Commissioner for District 3.
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January program - Dr. Lisa Beever, CHEP, talks about Climate Change Planning at "new" meeting place, the Calusa Nature Center.
Dr. Lisa Beever, Director Charlotte Harbor NEP .
Climate Change Planning in Southwest Florida.
The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) adopted a climate change priority action within its 2008 Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) update. The plan outlined a framework for CHNEP to "build capacity for communities and their local leadership to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change through joint efforts." The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (SWFRPC) and CHNEP jointly developed an integrated approach to climate change assessment and planning that has allowed a progressive expansion of scope and detail, building on past work with each step. The process has developed frameworks which are being replicated in other locations. Dr. Beever discussed climate change in southwest Florida, some habitat responses to these changes, as well as plans and approaches which are being adopted. .....details.... |
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Next Month's Program:
ANWR - Alaska's Arctic Wildlife Refuges
by Ding Darling Biologist Tara Wertz.
Feb. 17th, 7 pm, Iona House at Calusa Nature Center
Register |
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Facebook
Here's your opportunity to become a fan of Audubon of Southwest Florida's Facebook page. Become an active participant in the page by posting comments, sharing photos, and joining in discussions. On our page you will also find notifications of events, programs, and field trips. Join today!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Audubon-of-Southwest-Florida/187556301273735?v=wall
Audubon of Southwest Florida on Facebook
Thanks to Sarah Larsen for setting this up.
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Birdathon - April 9th. Details next month.
Get your team organized.
Audubon of Southwest Florida will again organize a Birdathon fundraising campaign. Individuals/teams solicit sponsors to pledge a per a species found or a fixed donation and compete for awards. Contributions go to the Charles Foster Conservation Education Fund.
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ASWF will hold elections at the annual meeting on April 9th. If interested in becoming a chapter officer, member of the board of directors, or serving on a committee, please contact the nominating committee. 2010-2011 Board of Directors|
President: Wayne Daltry - term ends 4/11
1st Vice President: Mary Lee Mann - term ends 4/12
2nd VP/Treasurer: Jim Rodenfels - term ends 4/12
Secretary: Vacant - Jim Rodenfels (acting)
Webmaster: Pete Quasius -willing to step aside
Conservation Committee: Brad Cornell (chair), term ends 4/12
Pete Quasius, Sarah Larsen
Membership: Elspeth McCulloch - term ends 4/11
Birdathon: Toby Clark - term ends 4/12
Education Chair : Carl Veaux (chair), - term ends 4/11, Sarah Larsen
Program Chair: Mari Hanley - term ends 4/12
Newsletter Editor : Maria Quasius - willing to step aside
Festivals and Special events Chair: Vacant
Field Trips: Vacant
Past Presidents of Audubon of Southwest Florida, who are chapter members in good standing, are entitled to request membership to board. Past presidents include - Bill Hammond, MaryLee Mann, Roger Clark, Connie Jarvis, John Cassani, Don Doggett, Vince McGrath, Pete Quasius, Maria Quasius, Carol Newcomb-Jones, Gerri Reeves
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The 2011 Audubon Academy, March 18-20
Paramount Plaza Conference Center
2900 SW 13th St. (U.S. 441)
Gainesville, FL
About Audubon Academy
Chapters are Audubon's crucial link to the community and government in taking actions that will protect Florida's birds, wildlife, and habitats. Our communities need the voice of strong Audubon chapters throughout the state to define and shape a better Florida.
Now in it's 7th year, Audubon Academy is designed to strengthen chapters by providing encouragement, knowledge, and tools for action. Audubon Academy is a financially sustainable enterprise led by volunteers with support from AOF Chapter Coordinator, Jacqui Sulek, and funded by chapters, Academy participants, and Florida Audubon Society.
The 7th Annual Audubon Academy will provide opportunities to learn more about citizen science, collaborative grants, advocacy skills, creating partnerships, Important Bird Areas, birding classes, field trips - all geared to respond to chapter conservation goals. Please click here for a full schedule. The process will result in a customized toolbox your chapter can use in conservation planning for 2011. We'll provide the framework so you can easily share it with your chapter's board of directors. Find this event on Facebook.
It's About Fun, Too!
- Walk a trail with friends old and new
- Meet Audubon staff and leaders
- Share ideas, best practices and strategies
- Welcome new chapter leaders
Why Audubon Academy?
Florida chapters provide the crucial constituency and feet on the ground for support of conservation of Florida's Special Places, Florida's Coast, and Everglades campaigns.
Our 6 Regional Conservation Committees help organize chapter responses to the conservation challenges we face in protecting our wildlife, water resources, and quality of life.
Let's work together to integrate our conservation/education goals into our 2011-2012 chapter programs!
About Paramount Plaza
Special Room rate: $82/night/double
Easy access to I-75
Near Paynes Prairie State Preserve
and many other excellent birding sites
(352)377-4000
www.paramountplaza.com
For more information, please contact
Joyce King, Academy Coordinator
Jacqui Sulek, Chapters Coordinator, Audubon of Florida
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2011 Audubon Conservation Action Agenda
Coastal Conservation
Florida's Special Places
Greater Everglades Ecosystem
Energy and Climate Change
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ASWF hosts RCC meeting
The Southwest Florida Audubon Chapters Regional Conservation Committee (RCC) and SW Florida chapter leaders met in Fort Myers January 16th to discuss priorty Audubon conservation campaigns.
Left to right. Brad Cornell (Collier County Audubon/ASWF/AoF), Sarah Larsen (ASWF), Alan Keller (CCAS/AofF Board), Wayne Daltry (ASWF), Jacqui Sulek (AofF), Rhonda Roff (Hendry-Glades Audubon), Maragret England (RCC chair/H-G Audubon), Maria Quasius (ASWF) and Stu Lewis (Peace River Audubon). The group consensus was that coastal conservation and protection and evaluating the environmental impacts of mining are the region's top priorities. The sorry, salty Caloosahatchee in the background.
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Do some bird jigsaw puzzles!
Can you put the birds back together?
Take me there
How to do the Great Backyard Bird Count
1. Plan to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count. You can count each day or just some of the days and you can count in different places. Just be sure to keep a separate list of birds for each day and each location.
2. For each type of bird you see, count the most you see at any one time. For example, maybe you see two chickadees when you start watching, then five chickadees a few minutes later. The number you put on your list for chickadees is five. Do not add two plus five. (This way way you don't accidentally count the same bird twice.)
3. Enter your results on the Great Backyard Bird Count web site! Then watch the maps as more and more people enter their reports.
That's it! Now get ready to participate in the GreatBackyard Bird Count because when it comes to watching birds,kids count!
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River, Roots and Ruts
The 8th annual River, Roots & Ruts is in the record books. There really isn't a record book, but we had our best RRR ever regardless. This year we had the most participants, 349 registered for the half and relay, 108 for the Fun Run from 20 states, Canada, Brazil, and a couple from the Virgin Islands. The trails had dried nicely from the heavy rains earlier in the week and under clear skies we had great running weather and some great results too. In addition to providing some pretty good swag we will be able to donate the most proceeds ever to the volunteer organizations that helped us with the event.
Photos: Visit the Photo Page to see pictures of the RRR. Several volunteer and professional photographers have provided photos and links to their pages with images of the RRR. Still more to come so check again later.
Mark your calendar for 2012- January 8th.
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Audubon SWFL and other NGO volunteers helped staff the 8th River, Ruts and Roots Trail Run at Calaloosahatchee Regional Park, Jan. 9th. Plan to help next year at this fun event. Proceeds help support NGO conservation programs . 
Brenda Brools from CREW, RRR organizer Steve Brookman, and ASWF President Wayane Daltry at the run. |
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Flyways Editor Maria Quasius and other NGO volunteers help prepare food for the runners.
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Please send your tax deducible contribution to support this program to:
Audubon of Southwest Florida, Inc.
Post Office Box 61041
Fort Myers, Florida 33906-1041
''A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES By CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-
7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR
RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.'' REGISTRATION# CH30193 |
The North American Migration Count in Florida
is sponsored by Florida Ornithological Society, and is supported by local Audubon Societies, local bird clubs, and other interested organizations.
PURPOSE: The mission of the North American Migration Count (NAMC) is to:
v Obtain a "snapshot" of the progress and "shape" of spring and fall Migration. Spring 2011 count is May 14th.
v Obtain information on the abundance & distribution of each species.
v Initiate more participation among birders within a state and between states.
v Create challenges and goals among birders while collecting useful information.
v Aid in organization and centralization of date.
v HAVE FUN.
North America Migratory Count
 | | Sandhill Cane and chick by Mark Renz. |
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Please click on the program and field trip announcements and "register". Why? We need to have some idea of how many people are planning to attend so the organizers can set up the venue, the presenter can tailor the program, prepare handouts etc, and the chapter can justify the costs. In the event of cancelation we can also contact you so you don't make a nonproductive trip.
If you decide to use Constant Contact for some other organization you are associated with, tell them Audubon of Southwest Florida sent you. We'll get a rebate on our costs, as good as a donation, but we hope you'll consider an end of year gift too. Please "subscribe" to Flyways so we can send you the next edition when it is produced. We promise not to share your email address with any other organization. You can unsubscribe with just a "click" on any incoming message. |
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Audubon of Southwest Florida is a sponsor of Eco-Voice
Eco-Voice, Inc. is provided as a public service to facilitate the flow of information about environmental issues and events in South Florida. The Voice also produces a daily digest of eco-news and happenings in South Florida. Give it a try.
Registration for the Eco-Voice Daily Digest
Please enter your email address below to sign up for the Eco-Voice Daily Digest mailing list.
Eco-Voice, Inc. uses  which guarantees the permanent removal of your email address from its mailing lists.
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Contributions to Audubon of Southwest Florida, Inc., a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
''A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES By CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-
7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR
RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.'' REGISTRATION# CH30193
Audubon of Southwest Florida, Inc,
P.O. Box 61041
Fort Myers, Florida 33906-1041
www.AudubonSWFL.org
info@AububonSWFL.org |
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