Save a Place for Shorebirds on Florida's Beaches

As Florida’s population grows along with the popularity of our signature beaches, rules safeguarding beach-nesting birds are becoming ever more critical to the birds’ very survival. One such rule that helps many of these listed species is the Florida Park Service’s prohibition of dogs in swimming areas, which include our state park beaches.

This rule is an important safeguard-- State Parks protect some of the last natural beaches in the state. The rule ensures:
(1) families won't encounter dog waste on the beaches where they walk barefoot or in the water where they swim
(2) families can enjoy these natural areas without fear of disruptive or aggressive dogs, and
(3) beach-nesting birds do not suffer the disturbed by dogs which can destroy a colony in mere minutes.

Recently, some dog owners have been testing the State's resolve to keep our beaches clean and safe for people and for wildlife. A few citations as a result of this rule have resulted in a call from dog owners for the Florida Park Service to revisit its prohibition against dogs on beaches.

We must draw a line in the sand against inappropriate uses of our most pristine beaches. Many counties do not allow dogs on their high-traffic public beaches. Why would this use be more appropriate on more pristine beaches in Florida State Parks?

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Use our email function at right to write the Governor and Cabinet, as well as DEP Secretary Colleen Castille and Deputy Secretary Bob Ballard. Tell them that while many of us are dog owners ourselves, we recognize dogs are not compatible with our State Park beaches, for reasons of public health, public safety and natural resource protection.
For greatest effect: personalize the subject line and letter body that we provide below before you send it.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Dogs do not belong on Florida's most pristine beaches

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As more people and recreational uses compete for our beaches, rules safeguarding public health and protection of coastal wildlife become even more important. One such rule is the Florida Park Service's prohibition of dogs in swimming areas, which include our state park beaches--some of the most pristine coastal areas left in the state. The Florida Park Service has won national awards for its recreational and resource quality. If we hope to maintain this high standard, we must draw a line in the sand against inappropriate uses of our most pristine beaches. Recently, some dog owners have been testing the State's resolve to keep our beaches clean and safe for people and for wildlife. A few citations as a result of this rule have resulted in a call from dog owners for the Florida Park Service to revisit its prohibition against dogs on beaches. This long-standing rule serves several valuable purposes. It protects the public health by eliminating dog waste from beaches where people walk barefoot and in waters where they swim with their children. This rule also ensures that families can enjoy our state park beaches without fear of disruptive or aggressive dogs. Lastly, this rule protects sensitive species from life-threatening disturbance. The mere sight of a dog can flush an entire colony of beach-nesting birds. While the adult birds fly overhead, they are unable to protect eggs and vulnerable chicks from the brutal Florida sun or from predators which wait for just such an opportunity. A single dog can destroy an entire colony in mere minutes. I urge you to support the Florida Park Service in upholding and enforcing this existing rule. With your support, our State Parks will continue to set the national standard for clean, safe beaches for both people and wildlife.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
August 08, 2006

Background Information

Heading to the Beach this Summer? Guess Who's Already There!

Shorebirds use our beaches for nesting, resting and feeding, and include families like sandpipers, as well as their tern and gull allies. Their beach-toned plumages of white, gray and tan afford them critical camouflage protection from natural predators and make them well-suited to life in a habitat of extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, their camouflage works on beachgoers too who may inadvertantly disturb the birds.

    The crush of people drawn to Florida's coasts in late spring and summer can spell imminent doom to beach-nesting birds. Human disturbance flushes them off their nests, leaving their eggs to cook in the hot sun in mere minutes and exposing chicks to predators. Solitary nesting species like plovers are often unnoticed and many colonial nesters, including terns, are apparent only because their colonies are roped off by officials to help limit disturbance.
     While we intuitively assume a mother bird is incubating her eggs to keep them warm, Florida's shorebirds are actually providing shade to eggs and chicks during the day. A single significant disturbance can destroy an entire colony.
    Few things are more beautiful than a flock of birds, rising in unison. Unfortunately, these flights, when caused by disturbance during nesting season, can spell disaster for eggs and chicks left on the ground.

Audubon of Florida's Beach Tips for Birdlovers

A girl in southwest Florida innocently flushes a group of terns and skimmers, not realizing it may doom eggs or chicks left on the beach. Shorebirds and people both flock to Florida's beaches at this time of year. ©RJ Wiley

·  Avoid the temptation to flush groups of birds. They may be resting, feeding, or incubating eggs. Give them a wide berth: you'll be sure your actions don't have deadly consequences for eggs or chicks.

·  Obey leash laws and restrict your dog from flushing birds. Even in areas where groups of shorebirds are not apparent, remember solitary nesters may be camouflaged with the beach.

·  Respect posted nesting areas, which are roped off to prevent disturbance. Officials don't rope off solitary beach nesters, only colonies where a single disturbance can affect many birds and nests. While these areas can sometimes be an inconvenience, they are only temporary.

·  Where beach driving is allowed, take extra care to be aware of birds on the beach. From a car, you're more likely to overlook birds you may be disturbing. Furthermore, chicks may sometimes shelter in the depression of tire tracks in the sand. Keep an eye out for little ones frozen in your path.