[CT Birds] Merritt Island NWR

[Kathy Van Der Aue]

This came through on MassBirds and I thought it was worth passing on.
Kathy Van Der Aue, Southport, CT
kvda at optonline.net


 We appreciate any help you all can give us in getting the information
out to all birders in the U.S. Please forward it to any e-mail list
serves that birders and environmentalists monitor. The fishing and
hunting communities should also be concerned. Public comment is
_critical_ to preserving everything we love about Merritt Island NWR.
This project is on a fast track since NASA is depending on a commercial
entity to service the International Space Station after the Shuttle
retires in 2010. Public comment on the proposed launch complex will
close early this spring.

The U.S. Air Force has 40 launch pads. They are only using 8 of
them. There is infrastructure (roads, electricity, water, etc) in place
on the Cape in areas that have already been disturbed. Is it really
necessary to impact pristine areas?

I know that this is short notice and it will be difficult for you to
attend one of the public meetings next week. But please take the time
to phone, fax or e-mail your comments to NASA.


*Public Notice ** *
*Future Plans by **NASA** for New Launch Facility Could Close Portions
of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge*
NASA is proposing a new Commercial Launch Facility on 200 acres of
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge which could have significant
environmental and visitor impacts. Merritt Island NWR is an overlay of
the Kennedy Space Center and the Refuge manages NASA lands through an
agreement. The agreement allows NASA to withdraw lands for space
facilities. The new facility would result in loss of scrub habitat,
loss of wetlands, impact sea turtle nesting due to lighting issues,
result in loss of habitat for several endangered or threatened species,
and eliminate use of most visitor facilities and programs.
NASA has selected two potential sites for the commercial launch
facility. Site 1 is located within the existing restricted area of
Kennedy Space Center, but Site 2 is located in an area currently open to
the public. Either site will have significant environmental impacts;
however, *Site 2 has the potential to close all areas south of Haulover
Canal to the public*. Impacts to Refuge facilities are still unclear,
but based on the proximity to Site 2 the following facilities will
likely be affected (closed):
· Black Point Wildlife Drive
· The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
· Cruickshank Trail, Scrub Ridge Trail, Oak Hammock Trail, Palm
Hammock Trail
· Sendler Educational Outpost
· Bio Lab Road
· Boat Ramp at Haulover Canal, Bio Lab Boat Ramp
· Sports fishing south of Haulover Canal
· Waterfowl hunting south of Haulover Canal

The development of Site 2 would affect approximately 750,000 Refuge
visitors annually.
Impacts associated with the development of Site 1 or 2 to Playalinda
Beach are unclear, but could potentially affect another three quarters
of a million visitors each year.
NASA is preparing an Environmental Assessment on the project and the
public will be allowed to comment on the proposals. Several public
meetings are planned:
February 25, 2008, Titusville City Hall - Council Chambers,
1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
February 28, 2008, New Smyrna Beach Public Library, 10 a.m.
and 5 p.m.
To provide comments or obtain additional information the following
options are available:
1. Go to the NASA website
http://environmental.ksc.nasa.gov/projects/ksc-cvlc.htm
2. Send an email: KSC-CVLC at nasa.gov <mailto:KSC-CVLC at nasa.gov>
3. Call, FAX or Mail Mario Busacca; Environmental Program Office
Phone (321) 867-8456, FAX (321) 867-8040, Mail Code TA-C3, Kennedy Space
Center, FL. 32899