National Audubon Society: Scoring the Victory
Throughout history, conservation organizations, like the National Audubon Society, have persevered to protect our environment. Sometimes their efforts are rewarded; other times they are not. Thankfully, one successful cause Audubon took on was the proposed redevelopment of the Homestead Air Force Base in south Florida. This eight-year journey tested Audubon’s stamina, and, in the end, Audubon prevailed.
Everglades Betrayal - The Issue that Defeated Al Gore takes readers through the journey that began with the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, including the destroyed Homestead Air Force Base. With little regard for two national parks nearby, Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, the Air Force approved Miami-Dade County’s proposal to turn the base into an airport. Everglades Betrayal describes how the National Audubon Society and others stepped in to turn the situation around. It was one more cause Audubon undertook to further its mission of protecting our great natural heritage.
The task was not easy considering the airport’s proponents: the Latin-American Builders Association and a revered Cuban-American Mayor of one of the largest counties in the country. Everglades Betrayal details the environmental studies that cost over $5 million as well as Audubon’s efforts to influence the politics of this decision in an important swing state as the 2000 presidential election approached.
Whatever your interest – learning about conservation organizations, such as the National Audubon Society, studying land use planning and resource protection, or delving into the untold story of the Florida 2000 election –Everglades Betrayal will take you there. There are many heroes in this story with the National Audubon Society playing an integral part.
The Everglades Betrayal is now available online.
