A proposed jet landing field for the United States Navy could endanger migratory birds and other wildlife.
By Michele King, Best Friends NetworkMore than than 100,000 tundra swans, snow geese and other waterfowl come home to the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge each winter. A proposed landing field for the United States Navy could put their safety in jeopardy .
The Navy's proposed airfield is only three miles from the feeding areas of these winter birds. Pocosin is also home to the world’s only wild population of endangered red wolves. The project not only threatens wildlife, but also the the pilots conducting the practice flights who would be at risk from birds striking their aircraft.
Governor Mike Easley is taking a strong stand against the Navy’ plans. He has asked Congress to withhold funding for the project.
Senators Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole also opposed the Navy's plans. Dole supports the Navy's need for the landing field, but will oppose any funding for the Washington County site.
Navy Secretary Donald Winter met last Wednesday with Representatives Walter Jones and G.K. Butterfield to discuss the matter. Jones said, "The Navy Secretary is very much concerned about public opinion as he wants the Navy and the people of the state to have partnership". "I believe that the Navy will seriously look at other sites and give a fair and equal evaluation of the sites that are involved," Jones said. While the site in Washington and Beaufort counties is still the navy's preferred location, other sites are also being considered.
Over 93,000 acres of wetlands make up Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge borders the waters of Lake Phelps and Pungo Lake and includes portions of the Scuppernong and Alligator Rivers.
The Southern Environmental Law Center is working to stop the Navy from building the landing field in Washington County near the refuge.
The SELC represents the National Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.
http://www.southernenvironment.org/cases/navy_olf/What You Can Do:Encourage Senators and Congressman to work with the Navy, Governor Easley and other state and local officials to identify alternate sites.
Call, email or fax Senator Elizabeth Dole at:
Phone: 202-224-6342
Fax: 202-224-1100
http://www.senate.gov/~dole/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactInformation.ContactFormCall, email or fax Senator Richard Burr at:
richard.burrNC05@mail.house.gov
Phone: (202) 224-3154
Fax: (202) 228-2981
Call, email or fax Representative Walter Jones at:
Phone: 202-225-3415
Fax: 202-225-3286
http://jones.house.gov/html/contact_email.html