The 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge is undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA), which includes a review of their waterfowl hunting management plan. Some Florida hunting advocacy leaders fear that the EA may lead to the closure of one of the few remaining public duck hunting opportunities in Southwest Florida.

Last week, the Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) wrote Deputy Refuge Manager Ben Nottingham, to point out that, “Many areas that were once available for public hunting enjoyment are no longer suitable waterfowl habitat for a variety of reasons, primarily due though to drainage and development.”

Apparently, the Refuge supplied FWF with documentation that shows no adverse impact on wildlife due to waterfowl hunting.

“We have read all the documentation provided by the Refuge and agree that regulated hunting does not have an adverse impact on migratory waterfowl or other wildlife on the refuge,” the FWF letter continues.

The letter also points out that, “The level of hunting use is very low and for only a small portion of the year,” and cites, “the hunter’s long standing tradition of purchasing Federal Duck Stamps that provided funding for many of our National Wildlife Refuges that preserved duck habitat as well as that of many other water dependent species.”

Hunters can send letters asking Refuge managers to preserve hunting opportunities. Send letters to:

Mr. Ben Nottingham
Deputy Refuge Manager, Ten Thousand Islands NWR
3860 Tollgate Boulevard, Suite 300
Naples, FL
34114