It all began with one man and one boat protecting pelicans on a tiny five-acre island in Florida. Now, Pelican Island, the birthplace of our National Wildlife Refuge System, is threatened once again.
For generations, residents of Indian River County have taken pride in knowing Pelican Island was a very special place. However, with this special gift comes the responsibility to stand up and fight to protect Pelican Island and its wildlife heritage.
For generations, residents of Indian River County have shouldered this responsibility. Beginning with Paul Kroegel, continuing through Joe Michael, Maggie Bowman, and others, they stepped up to fight for Pelican Island. Now, it’s our turn.
Today’s threats are real. Yet our ability to protect Pelican Island is being eroded by actions far away in Washington. In the end this place is ours to protect. And protecting it is a sacred trust we keep for the future.
This is about more than just a special place – the land, water, and wildlife – it’s about who we are. I know you will join with us in urging our elected representatives and officials in Washington to restore full funding for our national wildlife refuges.
Today, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is 5,000 acres larger and over a hundred years older, and its protection needs more than just one man and one boat. We must fight for a renewed commitment to our refuges, one that will benefit wildlife and our community for the next one hundred years.
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