An Austin firm wants to build a large luxury condo development on largely rural San Antonio Bay (in Texas) adjacent to the land where the last remaining wild flock of 250 highly endangered Whooping Cranes live. These tallest birds in North America were down to perhaps 17 individuals before World War II. In fact, those individuals were all discovered on this very place. It has taken decades of work and love by hundreds or thousands of people to bring the whoopers this far. And now they could be at increased risk.
A few weeks ago I wrote a diary on this subject and asked for your help. I'm asking again.
The site where the development is proposed (condos, docks, dredging and all) is a place where the Whoopers sometimes actually eat. It is also alleged that up to 20 Whoopers may live on that land full time during the winter, but that figure is in dispute. What is known is that the Whoopers are shy, quiet birds who prefer not to have human contact, or to deal with any kind of a ruckus such as building would produce. To me, this development presents too much risk to the cranes to be a good thing.
The first deadline for the Corps to hear public comment on this issue was August 17. At that point, they were given a petition with about 460 names on it protesting the development. There were other protesting comments made. Because of the outcry, the Corps extended the comment period until Friday, August 31 at 5:00 p.m. Central Standard time.
The Corps has been considering giving the okay to this development without an Environmental Impact Study. The very least we need, imo, is an EIS.
In the last day or two, the protest was joined by the Defenders of Wildlife, The Wilderness Society, and finally, by the Audubon Society. All three of these links will take you to sites where you can record your opinion.
We need as many opinions, as many voices as possible to get to the Corps by tomorrow afternoon. Please help.
The original petition is still going strong and will be given to the Corps tomorrow afternoon. Please sign. If you want an Environmental Impact Study, please say that in the comments.
I thank you. And if the Whoopers were not so shy, they would too.