Conservation Environmental Advocacy
Hernando Audubon works to promote an awareness of nature, to preserve and protect our natural ecosystems, and to encourage responsible environmental stewardship. Audubon’s mission is more urgent today than ever before. Natural habitat and open spaces are disappearing at an alarming rate. By protecting birds, we’re safeguarding our natural resources for future generations. The primary focus of Hernando Audubon’s environmental advocacy work is dedicated to promoting improved management of public lands, whether local government or state owned. Described below are some of the most recent issues our Conservation Committee has advocated for to achieve the most reasonable outcome for our natural environment.
Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan - Hernando Audubon recently became a partner in the development of the Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan. As a partner, we will participate in quarterly community meetings, contribute to the risk assessment and project selection process, and share knowledge and expertise to strengthen the overall outcomes of the plan. Hernando Audubon recognizes the urgent need to address flood risk and enhance resilience across the Tampa Bay region through a collaborative, data-driven, and community-based planning process. We view the Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan as a critical opportunity to build resilience across jurisdictions, prioritize equity in flood risk adaptation, and integrate nature-based solutions that benefit both communities and ecosystems.
One of at least 18 Gopher Tortoise cavities on Forestry property slated for a land swap.
Withlacoochee State Forest Proposed Land Swap – This land swap would have transferred 324 acres from the Withlacoochee State Forest to a luxury golf course developer in exchange for 861 acres of pine plantation in Levy County. The acreage planned to be conveyed to the golf course developer is land that was given to the Withlacoochee State Forest as mitigation for impacts from the construction of the Suncoast Parkway. Hernando Audubon members in coordination with representatives from the Florida Native Plant Society contacted environmental reporters from the Tampa Bay Times in the fall of 2024 and led them on a site visit to demonstrate the conservation value of the parcel. The reporters published several articles against the proposed land swap, and the public expressed outrage. As a result of the public outcry, the proposed land swap was abandoned.
No fertilizer in winter and during the rainy season
Rainy Season Fertilizer Ban – In March 2025 Hernando County Commissioners discussed the potential of retracting the Rainy Season Fertilizer Ban that was passed two years before with significant input from environmental organizations. At a spring 2025 County Commissioners meeting discussion was held and a vote taken to retract the fertilizer ban. However, thanks to the efforts of several environmental organizations and input from private citizens, the commissioners later voted to retain the rainy season fertilizer ban. Representatives from our Conservation Committee provided public comments in favor of retaining the rainy season ban to reduce nutrient loading to the Weeki Wachee River and watershed.
Weeki Wachee River
Springs Protection Zone for Weeki Wachee River – The Weeki Wachee River is a first magnitude spring that has become a tourist destination in Hernando County. Current user activities on the river are causing significant degradation and stream bank erosion. Hernando County’s proposal to designate the area as a Springs Protection Zone (SPZ) would prohibit these damaging activities. In 2023 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved the county’s application for the entire spring run from the head spring within the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to the Rogers Park boat ramp canal to be within the Springs Protection Zone. Hernando Audubon actively supported the county’s proposal, submitting written comments in support of the designation and providing public comments at two public meetings. The SPZ will provide a simple prohibition on anchoring, mooring, beaching, and grounding anywhere within the protected stretch of river.
Weekiwachee Preserve
Recreational Development within Weekiwachee Preserve – Hernando Audubon advocated for minimizing the ecological impact of proposed recreational development by Hernando County within the 12,000-acre Weekiwachee Preserve. Hernando County reached agreement to lease 300 acres in the heart of the central portion of the preserve as a county park. Hernando Audubon was concerned that recreational opportunities within the county park (i.e., a swimming/beach feature at one of the abandoned mining pits) would intensify use of the preserve and negatively impact natural resources. While we supported continuation of existing public use options including hiking, fishing, biking, and birdwatching, we opposed the addition of a swimming/beach feature. Responding to pressure from the environmental community and numerous stakeholders, the swimming/beach feature was removed from the county’s plan.