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Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society

Conservation Programs

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The Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society works with the National Audubon Society, Audubon of Florida and other nature groups to achieve a coordinated and effective conservation program. For a summary of the national and state programs, click on the boxed buttons above. To go directly to the National Audubon Society, Audubon of Florida and to the Florida Defenders of the Environment conservation web pages click on the logos above.

Conservation and Advocacy

  "Conserve to Observe" ... that is what our local conservation programs are about. To observe birds, more birds, we must protect them and their habitat so they will thrive and be there when we wish to observe them. Ask anyone and they will agree nature study and birding are good activities. Occasionally, some human activities and needs clash with nature's needs. Audubon works to resolve these opposing needs with science-based facts, investigations and advocacy.

Two important conservation issues need our attention and action. They are briefly described below. For more complete fact sheets on these issues, call the Conservation Chairperson: Linda Bystrak at 357-2207

Your elected representatives' addresses and phone numbers are listed on the OVAS Representatives Page or you may find them in the phone book's blue pages (Governmental Listings).

 

Rodman (Kirkpatrick) Dam Restoration Progresses

Fla Capitol Great News on the Ocklawaha River restoration! The U.S. Forest Service will now be in charge of that part of the Rodman Dam and Ocklawaha river reservoir that is in the Ocala National Forest. It is the stated intention of the Forest Service to remove the dam and drain the impoundment. Plus, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has refused to sign the special permit that has allowed the state-owned portion of the dam and reservoir to continue to occupy part of the Ocala National Forest. This takes a third of the dam and about a square mile of the submerged forest out of state hands and politics, allowing dam breaching and river restoration.

Although Gov. Bush and the three preceding governors have supported the removal of the dam, the legislators have refused to vote for the necessary funds for removal. Much of the restoration on state-owned land will be along the original river channel and will be natural growth.

Reasons for removal of the Rodman (Kirkpatrick) Dam:

  1. Stopping the death of manatees, an endangered species, trying to reach habitat and springs in the Ocklawaha River.
  2. Return of manatees in 50 miles of river and Silver River State Park.
  3. Renewal of 20 artesian springs, including Blue Springs.
  4. Return of migratory fish to the river and Silver Springs.
  5. Return of 9000 acres of forested swamp habitat for black bear and many other species of wildlife
  6. Opening up the river to navigation now blocked by water lettuce.
For additional information visit the Florida Defenders of the Environment web site.

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Save the Arctic Wildlife Preserve

Drilling for oil in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge has been defeated for now. Horray! Your email or written message to Senators Graham and Nelson have helped the Senate to vote down the efforts to open this vital ecological area. You have helped to preserve it for the future. By asking your reprsentative to stand firm in opposing drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, you have made a difference. Thank you.

Background: The best estimates are that the total recoverable oil in the arctic refuge might have been enough to meet just nine months of America's oil needs. Also, it may have taken as long as 10 years before any oil could come form the refuge. Drilling would have altered the wilderness and its wildlife forever. The current pristine condition of this refuge is essential to its use by hundreds of wildlife species, including 135 migratory bird species from four continents. The refuge serves as home for polar bears, wolves, muskoxen and is the calving grounds for the Porcupine Caribou.

Addresses for our representatives are on the OVAS Representatives Page or look in the phone book's blue pages (Governmental Listings).

Page Revised 8/28/02

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