1/21/10
"Important for bird migration"

Dear Editor:

Imagine driving from Canada to South America without a place to stop, eat or sleep. That is the situation increasingly facing many species of migratory birds, and a key reason Audubon Connecticut strongly supports plans to protect the Griswold Airport property.

Like all travelers, birds need places to rest and refuel during their perilous migratory journeys. The Hammonasset ecosystem - including the Griswold land - is recognized as one of the most significant breeding and migratory bird stopover areas along the Atlantic Flyway that runs from Canada to South America.

This resource attracts countless numbers of bird watchers each year. They flock to restaurants, shop in stores, and fill up with gasoline, generating revenues during seasons when the weather is bad, but the wildlife viewing is good. The Airport property adds native grassland and a remnant of mature coastal forest to the attraction, habitats unlike anything currently available at Hammonasset Beach State Park.

Pairing this world class nature preserve with much needed athletic fields is smart idea. It safeguards a threatened coastal resource, creates new opportunities for outdoor education and recreation, and promises a welcoming landmark at the eastern entrance to Madison rather than a looming private development. Because this area is so important ecologically, Audubon Connecticut has committed to raising $1.7 million in private funding for the purchase in partnership with the Trust for Public Land and Stop Griswold Over-Development. We have also pledged to help the Town seek additional funding for the project.

We urge Madison residents to vote “Yes” to create a coastal park and make a global difference for wildlife.

Thomas R. Baptist
Executive Director and Vice-President
Audubon Connecticut