/ By
Orlando's airport wants to renege on its "forever" promise to protect the environment of Mud Lake on airport property, alleging its birds are a threat to aircraft and that there is no access to the lake for an emergency response. But in 2015, airport personnel took the Orlando Sentinel to the lake, launching boats for the routine task of removing fish as a way to discourage birds from foraging there. During that outing, Johnny Metcalf, an airport wildlife management supervisor seen here, scoops up largemouth bass out of Mud Lake. At the time, the airport went to great lengths to keep birds away from runways, including importing racoons and bobcats, and removal of largemouth bass from the secluded lake. Audubon suspects the airport's intention is to develop or sell land at Mud Lake. (Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando’s airport wants to renege on its “forever” promise to protect the environment of Mud Lake on airport property, alleging its birds are a threat to aircraft and that there is no access to the lake for an emergency response. But in 2015, airport personnel took the Orlando Sentinel to the lake, launching boats for the routine task of removing fish as a way to discourage birds from foraging there. During that outing, Johnny Metcalf, an airport wildlife management supervisor seen here, scoops up largemouth bass out of Mud Lake. At the time, the airport went to great lengths to keep birds away from runways, including importing raccoons and bobcats, and removal of largemouth bass from the secluded lake. Audubon suspects the airport intends to develop or sell land at Mud Lake. (Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel)

By KEVIN SPEAR | kspear@orlandosentinel.com | Orlando Sentinel, December 10, 2023, 7 a.m.

Orlando’s airport is trying to nullify protections for a large expanse of environmentally sensitive land its managers long ago promised to safeguard “forever.”

The 1,100-acre tract that includes Mud Lake and wetlands is tightly surrounded by high-profile and surging development. Airport officials claim its ecosystem value has been degraded, that it poses a risk to aircraft and that federal rules require revenue from areas not used for aviation.

It is yet another current attempt by local government to renege on a legal preservation pledge in the face of the high-intensity growth of east Orange and Osceola counties.

Audubon Florida’s policy director, Beth Alvi, said in a letter of protest that the airport contends it is “obliged to monetize” available real estate. But she is concerned airport officials are using federal rules as cover for their “operating philosophy” to develop or sell Mud Lake property.

Read the full story here

If you liked this post, you’ll love our daily environmental newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed daily with the latest news, commentary, and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it, try it free for an entire month. No obligation.

Verified by MonsterInsights