Speak Out Now for Restoration of the West Pond

American Bittern
© David Speiser

The National Park Service is preparing an Environmental Assessment in support of a project to address the damage that resulted from the breach at the West Pond of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge during Hurricane Sandy. NYC Audubon has already submitted a report on restoration recommendations for the West Pond and will continue to advocate for the Pond's restoration -- but this month you have an opportunity to influence the process.

Gateway National Recreation Area will host an open house public meeting on July 17 from 6-8pm at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Center Visitor Center. All are encouraged to attend and share how the Pond can and should be restored to maximize habitat for bird species of the greatest conservation need in Jamaica Bay and increase resiliency to sea level rise and climate change. You may also submit public scoping comments online through July 30 via NPS's website or by mail.

Click here to learn more about West Pond's importance to birds and wildlife, NYC Audubon's recommendations for restoration, and instructions for submitting public comments.

A Final "Bird's Eye View" from Glenn Phillips, Former NYC Audubon Executive Director

Glenn Phillips served as Executive Director of NYC Audubon for seven years, leaving in April of this year. We thank him for his time and service to the organization. He has asked us to publish the following statement, which we are happy to do.

It was no small decision that this spring be my last with New York City Audubon. For the last seven years, as Executive Director I have been honored to lead what I consider the most important conservation organization in the city. Along the way, I have met an extraordinary group of people. Dedicated board members who commit their time, money and expertise to ensure that the organization is headed on the right track. An expert staff, who manage to do the work of a group twice as large. A remarkable group of volunteers, whose passion for birds and protecting the city’s natural heritage is unmatched. I have been inspired by you all, and challenged to make NYC Audubon a more effective organization at every turn.

As I look back, a few highlights of the last years come to mind. Presenting NYC Audubon’s Bird-safe Building Guidelines at the annual meeting of the bird conservation alliance, one of the first moments when NYC Audubon’s efforts were recognized as a national model after a decade of leadership in the field. Watching as South Brother Island was signed over to the City of New York, to be forever preserved as a sanctuary for herons and egrets. Meeting with elected officials across the city to advocate on behalf of the natural areas of Jamaica Bay, and receiving a copy of the letter, signed by several congressmen, asking the National Park Service to heed our advice, and finally seeing most of our recommendations incorporated into the final plan.

As I look forward, I know that NYC Audubon is in good hands, and with your continued help, it will keep on making a huge difference for birds. I hope to see many of you in the field as we enjoy our shared passion for the birds that every day remind us that the world is a beautiful and precious place!.

Top Banner Photo Credits: Atlantic puffins © USFWS Northeast Region**; group of birders © Kati Solomon; all others © Francois Portmann.

** This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.