| |
FRIENDS
of Lower Suwannee
Lower Suwannee and Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuges
Alert: The oil spill is just off shore of
several refuges in Louisiana. Federal,
State and County officials are
coordinating with the Coast Guard in
identifying key areas for protection in the
event we have oil closing in on our
shores.
BP has a volunteer #
1-866-448-5816 and a wildlife hotline #
1-866-557-140. We have been asked by
the region to provide staff expertise and
availability to the region for assisting
these refuges. We will also document
current conditions of our refuges with
surveys, photos etc.and then continue
that effort. If in the oil path, we will need
to have oversight capability on any
wildlife rescues, spill containments and
cleanup operations.
This may take
significant manpower coordinating rescue
and cleanup crews to prevent additional
damage to the fragile marsh and marine
ecosystems. Please have those that are
interested in volunteering contact Pam
(493-2038 x223) or Jay (493-1807) with
availability, expertise, boat experience
etc. and any special training or
experience in hazmat/hazwoper (or
willing to train) or other expertise in oil
response etc.
The agency will be looking
for folks with specific experience on top of
just a list of general volunteers. Folks
can also contact BP as well. As we gear
up for this more information will be
provided.
Thanks to the Friends! Daryl
Magnuson
Mission
Statement
The
mission of the Friends of the Lower Suwannee and
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges is to provide
active advocacy and physical support for the successful
stewardship of the Refuges.
In
order to support this stewardship, the Friends of
Lower Suwannee will promote awareness of these refuges,
their habitats and their work,
assist the scientific conservation and preservation
efforts of the refuges, and advocate responsible
habitat use. Thus education, volunteering, and advocacy
will be the primary activities of this organization.
Funds will be generated to accomplish this goal.
Goals
1.
To increase awareness, understanding, appreciation,
and stewardship of the natural resources of the Lower
Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
as part of a larger ecosystem by dialogue, by education,
and by example.
2.
To advocate habitat conservation of the Lower Suwannee
and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges and the
protection of their lands, waters, and wildlife species.
3.
To provide an organization in which members can play
an important and satisfying role in the care of the
diverse ecosystems found within these National Wildlife
Refuges. Examples of these roles include, but are
not limited to, the following: maintaining the environment,
assisting with research and administrative programs,
providing interpretive education and information,
and contributing to public relations on timely refuge
issues.
4.
To provide an avenue through which the local, state,
national, and international public can contribute
to furthering the work of supporting the MISSION
of these refuges, especially financially through
such means as memberships, donations, endowments,
grants, and merchandising.
|
|