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 p.1 #8 · To all who visit Merritt Island, Florida | |
Thanks to all who have read this post, commented and especially those that have sent emails to KSC. Thanks to Lil for the petition. I have signed it and encourage all to sign it.
I have posted this message on all of the forums that I belong to and ask that others post the links to the petition and the link in this thread to KSC on other forums that they belong to.
I really feel that we all can make a difference. The feedback that I got from my post on birdphotograhers.net has been very positive as many members are Florida residents and some were able to attend the meetings.
I was initially outraged when I read the article in the Sunday paper. Once I read the proposal on the KSC web site, I calmed down a little. I still feel that the more people who voice their opinions the more will make an impact.
There are some that do not even want Site 1 used as it will mean more days that the refuge will be closed to the public. The refuge already closes for the entire day that space shuttle launches occur. The NASA officials had no info on how many launches would take place at this facility. The proposal states that the area will be closed during launches and fueling at the new facility. I am sure that the building of the facility will impact wildlife even at Site 1, but since the public has no access to this area, we have no idea what the area looks like other than a view from satellite images. (Which would not be possible without KSC.)
Florida has just recently discovered the impact of ecotourism and has begun promoting it. The use of site 2 will be 2 steps backwards on this initiative.
The proposed site will have two commercial users. We have not been told who they are or even if there are companies that have already signed on to the project.
The NASA officials have confirmed that the use of Site 2 will definitely close public access to the entire refuge on a permanent basis.
The issue in not just a birding issue as many consider this area prime for fishing and hunting, not that I consider either to be positive for the ecosystem, but further impacts the public usage issue.
I work for a sports organization that's mission is giving back to the community and the sport. KSC already owns the land that the refuge is on... maybe their way of giving back. But regardless, the existence of the facility has kept the area pristine. Otherwise it would look like the rest of the Florida coast... motels and condos and restricted access to the ocean.
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