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.