The Important Bird Areas of Florida - National Audubon Society

The Important Bird Areas of Florida: 2000–2002 – Pranty – 2-Jul-02 95end of the spit, which threatens to close the Fort George Inlet. • A proposal to dredge a new channelthrough the Critical Wildlife Area could have devastating effects on the birds that nest and roostthere. • Erosion has greatly reduced the size of Nassau Sound Bird Islands since the 1970s •Increasing use of the Bird Islands for human recreation threatens the nesting and roosting populationsof its shorebirds and larids. Although designated as a Critical Wildlife Area, enforcement is lackingand disturbance of birds from humans and unleashed dogs is rampant. • The islands are just offshoreof Big Talbot Island State Park, and may become part of the park.It is essential that the State enforce protection of the Critical Wildlife Areas during spring and summer to protecttheir breeding colonies.NOMINATED BY: Huguenot Memorial Park: Peggy Powell (Duval Audubon Society), and NassauSound Bird Islands: Patrick Leary (Duval Audubon Society)