“Francis M. Weston Audubon Society
Conservation Committee Plan
2023-2024
Mission Statement: The FMWAS Conservation Committee implements actions and programs to support the mission of the Society: “to promote the preservation of birds and wildlife and the environment that supports them”, as well as “to promote the conservation of all natural resources”.
In carrying out this mission, the Conservation Committee supports the National Audubon Society, Audubon Florida, NW Florida Regional Conservation Committee, and local chapter projects, programs and campaigns. Examples of each are listed below.
National Audubon Society: Programs include Climate Change, Migratory Flyway, and issues such as Sage Grouse habitat protection.
Audubon Florida: programs include Climate change and sea level rise, Everglades restoration, Springs and Surface Waters protection.
Florida Forever Funding, and species issues like Florida Scrub Jay, Snail Kite, Bald Eagle nest monitoring, and range expansion of Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Storks.
NW Florida Regional Conservation Committee: Joint projects include opposition to oil and gas exploration in the Florida panhandle, Eagle Nest and shorebird monitoring and surveys, and protection/restoration of important sites.
Local FMWAS Conservation Committee: programs and projects include, but are not limited to:
–Bald Eagle nest monitoring in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties
–Support Audubon Florida Shorebird monitoring and nest protection
–E-bird data reporting by individual chapter members
–Backyard habitat improvement for birds—bird boxes, bird baths, bird feeders, plants for birds
FCC membership for 2023-2024 includes:
–Jim Brady, Chairman of local, regional, and national issues
–Amanda Hull, Eagle nest monitor
–Dr. Cheryl Jones and Dr. Diana Harris, Special Consultants for Native Plants
