INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Two U.S. officials visited Pelican Island National Refuge Thursday afternoon to commemorate the addition of four new refuges across the country by adding planks to the north barrier island refuge’s boardwalk and discuss the importance of conservation.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Dan Ashe paid the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge a visit, noting the Indian River County refuge was the first designated national sanctuary, so named in 1903.
“This exemplifies the conservation effort of America,” Sec. Salazar said of various agencies working together to preserve and conserve natural lands. “The conservation movement is alive and well.”
The secretary warned that despite the movement, future conservation is in danger.
“Conservation is at a cross-roads,” Sec. Salazar said. “The future of conservation will be determined in the next two months in Congress.”
He said there is movement within Congress to cut funding for conservation.
“I think it’s the wrong way to go,” Sec. Salazar said.
Director Ashe and Sec. Salazar held a brief signing ceremony after laying the last four planks of the boardwalk along Centennial Trail in the refuge. The signing ceremony marked a joint effort amongst the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, other federal agencies and non-profit organizations to lay the ground work for future conservation.
“This product is a result of that,” Dir. Ashe said, holding up a copy of “Conserving the Future: Wildlife Refuges and Future Generations” – a blueprint for conservation efforts for the next 10 years.
National Wildlife Refuge Association President Evan Hirsche said the visit by Sec. Salazar and Dir. Ashe coincided with the release of the plan, which is meant to provide guidance given “enormous budget challenges” and scarce resources.
Instead of trying to buy up all natural or undeveloped lands, the agencies are encouraged to work with private land holder to gain conservation easements, he said.
“The secretary understands how important the role of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in preserving American habitat and wildlife,” Hirsche said. “It’s great to have him come down. We’re grateful for his support.”