EVERGLADE KITE NEWSLETTER OF THE

AUDUBON SOCIETY OF THE EVERGLADES

Serving Palm Beach County, Florida
Volume 48, Number 9
June–July 2008

CALENDAR ASE Donates $20,000 to Exhibits Fund at Refuge

This year’s field trips are over; On May 6, the Audubon Society of the Everglades (ASE) donated $20,000
look for next year’s calendar in toward exhibits in the new visitor center at the Arthur R. Marxhall
our September issue! Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach. ASE is the
Tuesday, June 3, 7:30 p.m., gatekeeper for the Refuge. ASE is also part sponsor of Everglades Day day at
Howard Park, West Palm Beach. the refuge. The original visitor center was damaged during the hurricanes of
General Meeting: Controlling the 2004 and 2005. We are sponsoring two exhibits: the Bird Silhouettes and the
Evil Weevil in Florida. Ronald Benefits of Wetlands exhibits. The 147,000+ acre refuge is the northernmost
Cave, Ph.D. remaining part of the Everglades ecosystem, and is an important part of the
Tuesday, July 1, 7:30 p.m., Northeast Everglades Natural Area. It is home to the American alligator
Howard Park, West Palm Beach. and the endangered Snail Kite. The new visitor center will be a focal point
General Meeting: Importing for all who come to enjoy the walking trails, boardwalk, canoe trails, bike
Exotic Plants and Animals. trails, and other recreational opportunities offered at the refuge. And ASE is
Shannon Wiyda, Florida proud to be a part of this great new visitor center.
Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Commission
East Section of the Great Florida
Birding Trail Updated
The FWC reopened the East section
of the Great Florida Birding Trail in
Summer 2007 in order to add new
birding sites (we are in the South
section). As part of the Birding Trail’s
grassroots approach, land managers
and the general public were asked to
submit nomination forms for sites that
were not included on the trail when
it first opened in November 2000. A
total of 53 sites were nominated. The Jay Brenner, President, Friends of ARM Loxahatchee NWR; Rolf Olson, Project
Manager, Linda Humphries, President, Audubon Society of the Everglades
nomination period closed July 31,
2007. Sites were inspected August Have You Seen The Green Girl?
2007 through January 2008. Pine Jog’s Kristi Martin Moyer’s weekly column in the Palm Beach Post is
In March 2008, 46 locations were full of good advice on how to green up your life. Ideas like planting native
selected by the steering committee vegetation and conserving water may seem like old hat to Auduboners, but
and the FWC to be part of the Great every week Kristi manages to make these “old” ideas new. Her article last
Florida Birding Trail. A new guide
weekend (May 16) provided excellent information on how to stop junk mail
booklet for the East section of the
Birding Trail should be available by the from arriving at your door.
end of 2008. For more information, First, go to www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist to get started with the
visit www.floridabirdingtrail.com. Direct Marketing Association. They handle the bulk of the bulk mail, and
they offer advice on how to reduce the volume that comes from other sources.
Membership/Mailing Problems?
Address correspondence regarding Audubon
Then, when you sign up for anything at all where your name and address
magazine subscriptions and/or National is required, make sure to write “No mailing lists” on the form. Credit card
Audubon Society Membership, to PO offers? (I get about 10 a week!) Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688)
Box 52504, Boulder, Co. 80322. Or call to reduce that pile of junk mail.
800-274-4201; or email For more, visit www.palmbeachpost.com, and enter “Green Girl” in the
[email protected]
search box.
 President’s Comments
The Everglade Kite
Linda Humphries
is the newsletter of the Audubon
Society of the Everglades, published The North American Spring Migration Count (NAMC) was on Saturday,
11 times a year. May 10. It was a wonderful experience for me. I had never been in charge
of an area before, but I had participated in several Christmas bird counts.
President
After the count ended, I found I was seeing more birds in surrounding areas
Linda Humphries 742-7791
[email protected] and continuing to identify them in my mind. The migration count helped
1st Vice President sharpen my awareness of the everyday birds around me. I don’t believe
Cynthia Plockelman 585-1278 that there is ever just another bird. Every bird is unique and entertaining if
[email protected] you take a moment to watch it’s behavior. After looking at so many of the
2nd Vice President same species, I could definitely tell when a different bird joined the group.
Paton White 818-7574 The purpose of the migration count is to obtain a “snapshot” of the birds
Secretary in an area and note the distribution of each species. The final goal listed by
Marcella Munson 367-7689 the NAMC is to “have fun”, which we absolutely did. The Fall Migration
Field Trips Count is on September 20, 2008; if you don’t want to miss out on the
Ben Kolstad 367-7689
[email protected]
experience, call Cynthia Plockelman at (561) 585-1278 and register now.
Bird ID, Library
It’s also time to start planning the birding trips for 2008–2009 If you have
Gloria Hunter 585-7714 any suggestions or ideas for places you would like to bird, please contact
Conservation Ben at (561) 367-7689 or [email protected]. Our chapter also is looking
Rosa (Cissie) Durando 965-2420 for people interested in leading bird trips, please contact Ben. I was able to
Education join Tropical Audubon Society from Miami for their annual trip to Fort
Susan Snyder 627-7829 DeSoto. Brian Rapoza and Paul Bithorn led an excellent three-day trip.
[email protected] We did not have the fallout of previous years, but it was wonderful to
Membership see the warblers and migrants flying through. The beauty of the summer
Debbie Smith 967-4879
and scarlet tanagers is unforgettable. On the way home, we stopped at the
Sales Celery Fields in Sarasota where I saw my first King Rails. I couldn’t believe
Stella Rossi 732-4786
my eyes as two King Rails walked on the edge of the reeds. It was a thrilling
Hospitality
Sheila Reiss 627-0510
experience.
Kite Editor
Would you like to join in the fun next year?? Please let Ben or me know so
Ben Kolstad we can plan some equally exciting trips for our members. And don’t forget
ASE on the Internet to check out the newly revised website at www.auduboneverglades.org. It
http://www.auduboneverglades.org changes weekly with constantly updated information to keep our members
well informed. Finally, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions, so please
Audubon Society of the Everglades, incorpo-
rated in 1966, serves communities in Palm contact me regarding any issues at 561-742-7791 or [email protected].
Beach County. Our purpose is to promote the
conservation of wildlife and the natural envi- Conservation Notes
ronment and to advance human understand-
ing of our place in the total ecological system.
The South Florida Water Management District has halted construction on
the massive reservoir projects in the middle of the Everglades restoration
Nature Notes area pending resolution of a lawsuit brought by the Natural Resources
Have you noticed the smoke hanging Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Sierra Club. As
over our area in the early mornings anyone who drives along US 27 between Fort Lauderdale and Belle Glade
this May? That’s from wildfires (some knows, this is one giant project; the blasting required to complete it raised
no doubt human-assisted), which have serious concerns about water quality, and the history of development in
been fueled by all the wet weather we South Florida, combined with the lack of legal commitment by the SFWMD
had this winter. That’s right—rain leads to actually use it for environmental purposes, rather than as water supply,
directly to fires. As drydown occurs, all raised questions about whether the water would be used for its funded,
that vegetation that had grown wild
stated purpose—Everglades restoration—or whether it would be yet
with the wet weather become tinder
another taxpayer funded gift to developers building homes on lands needed
dry, and a dangerous source of fire.
Dangerous, but only if it comes too for restoration.
close to our homes. Wildfires typically The reservoir is designed to be one of the world’s largest freestanding
have a restorative effect on the natural manmade reservoirs, and one of the largest water projects in the world—26
environment, although dry season fires square miles in area, 27 feet deep, holding 62 billion gallons of water. (Lake
are harder on the ecosystem than the O is bigger, but all we did was dam it—excuse me, dike it.) Imagine how
natural, lightning-induced fires we get hard it would be to keep South Florida’s thirsty lawns and dirty cars from
during the rainy season. coveting all that water.
 Audubon of Florida’s Legislative Wrap-Up August Yoga Retreat at
Some good bills passed, some didn’t Maine's Hog Island Audubon Center
SB 542 Florida Forever – Sen. Burt Saunders – Extends $300 Hog Island Audubon Center in Muscongus Bay, is offering a
million per year for ten more years, but reserves funds for capital
spectacular four-day yoga retreat August 24-27. Set on Hog
improvements. Working ranch and timber lands will benefit from
Island, a private 330-acre preserve off the coast of Bremen,
$10 million annually that will be used for agricultural protection
agreements authorized in the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act. Maine, Om on the Island: A Yoga Retreat is designed for all
A new Working Waterfronts program will attempt to preserve parts levels of yoga enthusiasts to deepen their connections to the
of some of Florida’s historic fishing ports, which are under serious natural world as they relax and renew body and spirit. Learn
pressure from upscale development. The bill also allows public lands more about this and other opportunities at Hog Island http://
to be used for mitigating impacts to imperiled species. www.maineaudubon.org/explore/camp/hi_overview.shtml
SB 1094 Clean Oceans Act – Sen. Mike Haridopolous – The bill forces
gambling vessels to treat rather than dump their onboard sewage. DEP ENCOURAGES CONSUMERS TO RECYCLE OLD TVs
SB 1302 Leah Schad Memorial Ocean Outfall Program – Bans new Recycling electronics protects our environment, reduces waste
ocean outfalls and requires existing outfalls to first use advanced in landfills
treatment and ultimately reuse wastewater in Dade, Broward and In preparation for the digital TV transition in 2009, the Florida
Palm Beach Counties. Named after longtime Audubon leader and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has produced
board member the late Leah Schad. an interactive web-based map that enables citizens to find out
SB 1552 Everglades Bonds (and FL Keys Wastewater Bonds) – Sen.
where to recycle old televisions. With the digital conversion just
Burt Saunders – Extends by ten years the authority to use the sale of
months away, DEP expects many unwanted analog televisions
up to $100 million a year in bonds to generate funds for Everglades
restoration. Also adds $50 million per year for four years starting in to be recycled as new digital televisions are purchased.
2010 for the overdue Florida Keys wastewater program. "Recycling your television, instead of throwing it away makes
HB 5001 General Appropriations – Funds Florida Forever at $300 a lot of sense. It keeps waste out of landfills, and allows the
million, Everglades at $50 million (down from $200 million) and recovery of electronic components that contain lead and other
holds other trust funds for water quality and land management at toxic materials," said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory
carryover levels. Alternative water supply was cut down to less than Programs Mimi Drew. "Conservation, reuse and recycling of
$10 million. Sadly the appropriations process was used to wreck all resources and wastes should be a key component of our
vengeance on the Department of Community Affairs, which will lose
lifestyles."
a major part of its planning staff in what was clearly retribution for
Some electronics recyclers estimate that as many as one in
Secretary Tom Pelham’s courageous stands.
HB 7059 Seagrass Protection and Seagrass Mitigation Banks – Rep. four households may discard at least one television as a result
Stan Mayfield – A last minute amendment to allow the Cabinet to of the digital conversion. If that happens, Florida could see
authorize seagrass mitigation banks was opposed by Audubon. almost two million televisions recycled in the next few years.
The language was changed from "shall" to "may" and the bill was The interactive map feature allows Floridians to identify where
passed securing a long-sought goal of allowing enforcement against to recycle electronics with just one click. DEP's electronics
intentional harm to seagrass in aquatic preserves. recycling website also links to a frequently asked questions
HB 7135 Energy – by the ENRC, Rep. Paige Kreegel and Rep. Stan page that explains what the television broadcast signal
Mayfield – A top Audubon priority was achieved in this bill, requiring
conversion is, how to tell whether your television is "digital-
that electric power utilities work with their customers to reduce
ready" and how to get a $40 coupon toward the purchase of a
demand through conservation and efficiency. The bill also had
Governor Crist's top priority – endorsement of a state cap and trade digital-to-analog converter box.
program for greenhouse gases. The bill made it easier to site and pay As the result of a recent federal law, all television broadcast
for nuclear power plants and powerlines. Audubon worked hard to signals in the U. S. after February 17, 2009, must be in a digital
minimize the effect of the transmission line language. Opponents of format. Any television that uses cable or satellite is already able
powerlines on public lands should know that the Cabinet routinely to receive the new digital format signal (digital-ready). Older
grants use of state lands for powerlines. The policies Audubon televisions that use "rabbit ears" or a roof top antenna can only
worked to secure were to avoid and minimize impacts and to secure receive the old analog format signal and might not be able to
adequate compensation.
view digital television programming. Owners of older units
Good Bills that Did Not Pass (Maybe Next Year)
must either purchase a new television with a digital tuner or
SB 2394 Springs Protection – Sen. Burt Saunders – A proposed pilot
project to clean up pollution in Rainbow and Silver Springs was a digital-to-analog converter box that allows older television
opposed by builders and agricultural interests. sets to receive the new digital format signal.
Bad Bills that Died If purchasing a new television, DEP encourages consumers
HB 761 by Pickens and SB 1376 by Dean – Preemption of Local to consider buying one that conserves energy. ENERGY STAR
Environmental Laws qualified televisions use about 30 percent less electricity than
HB 1267 by Nelson and SB 2352 by Aronberg – Preemption of Local standard units, saving both energy and money on utility bills.
Fertilizer Laws For more information on ENERGY STAR televisions, visit http://
HB 1173 by Mayfield and SB 2242 by Baker – Preemption of Local
www.energystar.gov/.
Development Laws
To use DEP's interactive electronics recycling map, visit www.
HB 7143 by Mayfield and SB 1296 by Saunders – Legislative Oversight
of Water Management Districts dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/pages/televisions.
SB 774 by Baker and HB 7135 by ENRC – Preemption of Local htm. For more information on recycling electronics, visit:
Mining Laws http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/
SB 7129 by EEIC and Cannon (SB 474 companion not viewed default.htm.
unfavorably)
Audubon Society of the Everglades
Nonprofit Org
PO Box 16914 U.S. Postage Paid
West Palm Beach, FL Permit 46
33416-6914 West Palm Beach, Florida

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The Everglade Kite is a monthly publication of the Audubon Society of the Everglades, P.O. Box 16914,
West Palm Beach, Florida, 33416-6914. Also available on the web: www.auduboneverglades.org.
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MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
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glade Kite. FOR ALL MEMBERSHIPS, PLEASE MAKE THE CHECK OUT TO NATIONAL AUDUBON, NOT ASE!

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The Audubon Society of the Everglades General Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month
at 7:30 p.m. at Howard Park Community Center in West Palm Beach. The phone number for the Community
Center is (561) 835-7055. The public is welcome to attend.