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Save Our
Crucial Habitat
By
Karen Weichman
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
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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
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