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conservation

	The Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society takes an active role in local conservation issues. Grant proposals are welcome. Big Sur Ornithology Lab MPAS provides continuous support to the operation of the Big Sur Ornithology Lab. Located at the Andrew Molera State Park, BSOL provides research and conservation services to various public and private organizations.		http://www.coffeetraders.com Certified, organic, shade-grown, migration-friendly coffee can purchased at Montana Coffee Traders for about $10 a pound. If you buy 5 lbs, there is a 10% discount which more than pays the shipping charge. Always ask what is on special as those prices can be less. They can be reached at 800-345-5282. SUPPORT BIRD-FRIENDLY COFFEE GROWERS!
	Bald Eagle	Environmental news from GRIST MAGAZINE, a project of Earth Day Network. gristmagazine.com National Resources Defense Council. nrdc.org
	Elkhorn Slough Moss Landing/Elkhorn Slough vicinity has been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) of international significance. Along with the much larger San Francisco & Humboldt bays farther north, it is a principal staging and feeding area for migratory shorebirds. In 2001, a grant was given to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation in conjunction with a grant from the National Audubon Society. This grant funded the incorporation of natural resource information and conservation strategies into the Monterey County General Plan and the Local Coastal Plan updates.
Western Grebe, Elkhorn Slough Photo by Yohn Gideon		The goal of this work was to preserve an intact and interconnected network of natural communities, including over 4000 acres of coastal marsh within Elkhorn and Moro Cojo Sloughs, the freshwater wetlands of McCluskey Slough, a restored riparian forest in the lower Carneros Creek floodplain and a series of upland ridges with maritime chaparral in the Elkhorn Highlands. Poor agricultural practices have led to erosion, sedimentation, nitrate and pesticide contamination in local streams and riparian wetlands. This has resulted in impaired water quality and loss of natural habitats. The work supported by Audubon established criteria for habitat definition, GIS mapping of vegetation and habitat resources, and drafting of land use policies.
Fort Hunter Liggett In 2001, the US Navy proposed air to ground bombing exercises in the upper Stone Valley of Fort Hunter Liggett. The target strip was directly east of Lucia, Limekiln, Mill Creek, Plaskett Valley, Sand Dollar Beach and Willow Creek. According to the proposal, F/A 18 Hornet fighter jets, originating in Fresno and from offshore aircraft carriers, would fly approximately 3000 bombing "sorties" per year. F/A 18 Hornets are capable of supersonic flight and cruise at 300-500mph. The Navy plan was for 4 missions (3 jets per mission), per day. The Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society joined a coalition of the Salinian Nation, California Oaks Foundation, California Native Plant Society, Big Sur Land Trust, Ventana Conservation and Land Trust, New Camaldoli Hermitage, Ventana Wilderness Alliance, Sierra Club - Ventana Chapter and LandWatch Monterey County. Don Roberson, Treasurer of MPAS, consulted and provided population and avian impact information. The US Navy withdrew the proposal for bombing exercises at Fort Hunter Leggett. Monterey County Wine Industry expansion The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) has proposed changes to the County's land use policies. These changes have been included in the recent Monterey County General Plan update. The new policy allows for development and expansion with an Administrative Permit, instead of the previously required Development Permit process. MPAS is opposed to an inbuilt approval process through the Zoning Administrator, because it evades the normal EIR process in converting lands to winery expansions and grape orchards. This is not in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. These concerns have been expressed to the Monterey County Planning Commission per a letter dated May 17, 2002. MPAS is continuing to monitor this recent threat to avian habitat and sustainability.

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