A multi-million-dollar city project in my area—ostensibly “restoration” but really driven by coastal development—is being fast-tracked despite its threatening to destroy the nesting grounds for a local population of diamond-backed terrapins. We have had exactly one (1) public hearing just a couple days ago, and city council will be voting on this on January 7. This has clearly been scheduled over the holidays to make it as difficult as possible for locals to organize any opposition.
I have been trying to contact the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, but they haven’t responded. I have also tried contacting our state herpetological society, but they also haven’t responded. I’ve also tried contacting a local university-based herpetologist, supposedly an expert in this species, who has also not responded. Is there anyone out there who gives a tinker’s damn about actual, on-the-ground conservation, especially involving threatened reptile species? I’d like to hear from anyone—absolutely anyone—who has any interest or experience with turtle conservation, coastal wetlands preservation, or even “environmental journalism,” if that isn’t just a mirage. If there’s anyone out there with any interest or concern, please contact me on- or off-list. - J. A. To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
