Save Our Crucial Habitat

This article is about an Ordinance for Brevard County that will save 11 critically endangered Brevard County habitats in perpetuity. How will this Ordinance save crucial habitat? It does not stop development; it prevents urban sprawl and promotes smart growth. Commercial and industrial zoned properties at this time are exempt and what remains is about 9000 acres of residential zoned property. This is a small fraction of the 650,000 land acres of Brevard County.

Just a few of the rare, endangered, threatened, and species of special concern that the Crucial Habitat Ordinance (CHO) would protect are one amphibian (Florida Gopher Frog), six mammals (including the Southeastern Beach Mouse), and 28 bird species (including, Florida Scrub Jay, Limpkin, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill). More than 30 plants species such as Celestial Lily, Titusville Balm, Large-Flower Rosemary, and the Pine Lily would also be protected by the CHO. There are also several insect species that are only in scrub, and they are important pollinators.

Without the citizens support and a favorable vote by the County Commissioners, the proposed ordinance will not pass. If the ordinance does not pass then species such as those listed above, and many more, may disappear. In addition, a very important part of this Ordinance is the connectivity it provides for the wildlife. Without the corridors provided by this connectivity, wild animals (and plants) will not have the gene pool transfer that promotes healthy populations.

Imagine a Christmas Bird Count without Scrub Jays. Some of you may recall when the Cocoa CBC had one of the highest species counts in the nation. It is now an also-ran. So, please, Please, PLEASE, call your Commissioners, send them an email, write them a letter, visit them in per-son, and write to the newspapers to let them know you sup-port this important ordinance.

To learn more about the CHO, go to the County Natural Resources web site at:

http://natres.countygovt.brevard.fl.us/

Also please visit a concerned citizen’s web site at:

http://www.nbbd.com/sea

Membership Application for the Indian River Audubon Society Chapter and the National and State Audubon Societies

(Download Form)

Have you found a sick or injured bird or wild animal? If so, please contact:

Florida Wildlife Hospital (321) 254-8843