Reopen Emeralda Marsh Area 4 #reopenemeraldaarea4
The Issue
Please share, but please do not donate money to support this petition :)
Prior to Emeralda Marsh Area 4's closure in 2019, many passionate birdwatchers had the privilege of witnessing its diverse wildlife population first-hand. While most of Area 4 was acquired in 1991 (see the lower left corner of the map below), Emeralda Marsh was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974, when it was officially recognized as a sanctuary for migrating and wintering birds. It is home to an impressive variety of species, including eastern greater sandhill cranes, ring-necked ducks, green-winged teal, Florida mottled ducks, bald eagles, white pelicans and the purple gallinule, pictured here courtesy of: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Gallinule/id
Since 2019 the Area 4 birding paradise that, at one time, was accessible from North Treasure Island Avenue in Leesburg, has been closed due to safety concerns about stray rounds from Ares Firearms Training Facility, aka Johnson Range LLC, Treasure Island Range, or any other names or aliases. While these concerns are valid, it is worth noting that Ares is closed every Monday and Tuesday, as well as the first Sunday of each month. This presents an opportunity for St. Johns River Water Management District to work with Lake County officials to reopen Area 4 during the times when there's no risk from stray rounds.
The closure of Area 4 not only deprives nature lovers of their right to enjoy this unique ecosystem but also hinders our ability to monitor and protect the wildlife population residing there.
We urge St. Johns River Water Management District and Lake County officials to reconsider their decision to close Area 4 and find a way forward that both ensures public safety, while allowing access to this vital habitat during times when Ares Firearms Training Facility is closed.
The neighbors listed below support this petition and believe in preserving our natural heritage by reopening Emeralda Marsh Area 4 so that it can be enjoyed by local wildlife enthusiasts.
Portions excerpted from: https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/emeralda-marsh/
Additional information can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/Trailpeople/
The Issue
Please share, but please do not donate money to support this petition :)
Prior to Emeralda Marsh Area 4's closure in 2019, many passionate birdwatchers had the privilege of witnessing its diverse wildlife population first-hand. While most of Area 4 was acquired in 1991 (see the lower left corner of the map below), Emeralda Marsh was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974, when it was officially recognized as a sanctuary for migrating and wintering birds. It is home to an impressive variety of species, including eastern greater sandhill cranes, ring-necked ducks, green-winged teal, Florida mottled ducks, bald eagles, white pelicans and the purple gallinule, pictured here courtesy of: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Gallinule/id
Since 2019 the Area 4 birding paradise that, at one time, was accessible from North Treasure Island Avenue in Leesburg, has been closed due to safety concerns about stray rounds from Ares Firearms Training Facility, aka Johnson Range LLC, Treasure Island Range, or any other names or aliases. While these concerns are valid, it is worth noting that Ares is closed every Monday and Tuesday, as well as the first Sunday of each month. This presents an opportunity for St. Johns River Water Management District to work with Lake County officials to reopen Area 4 during the times when there's no risk from stray rounds.
The closure of Area 4 not only deprives nature lovers of their right to enjoy this unique ecosystem but also hinders our ability to monitor and protect the wildlife population residing there.
We urge St. Johns River Water Management District and Lake County officials to reconsider their decision to close Area 4 and find a way forward that both ensures public safety, while allowing access to this vital habitat during times when Ares Firearms Training Facility is closed.
The neighbors listed below support this petition and believe in preserving our natural heritage by reopening Emeralda Marsh Area 4 so that it can be enjoyed by local wildlife enthusiasts.
Portions excerpted from: https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/emeralda-marsh/
Additional information can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/Trailpeople/
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Petition created on January 20, 2024