Letters to the Editor
Exterminated geese a case of having 'wrong bird'

As reported in various outlets, the Tiger Point golf course recently had 52 geese removed and exterminated because as the past president of the homeowners association stated "they had a negative influence on the golf".

If I remember correctly, Tiger Point is bird sanctuary. Canadian geese were introduced to FLby FWC in the late 60's and the breeding population had expanded to Santa Rosa by the 80's.

So, they were the "wrong type of bird"? We only allow "certain birds" in our neighborhood? A bird-gated community all of a sudden?

A putt over an animal's life?

Sure, the course is a business and has to maintain their ability to attract business. Drugging and killing an animal over a putt is just too much of that Florida transplant "postcard" snobbery to stomach. I was raised to respect nature. Fish properly, hunt properly, respect.

As a Tiger Point resident, I find the glib comments of people who are claiming to represent a viewpoint of a neighborhood to be more than I am willing to sit back and accept.

Not everyone in Tiger Point considers killing an animal a perfectly reasonable way to improve a golf game on the 15th hole.
Michael Canty
Gulf Breeze

State Climate Change Summit report positive

It was with great pride and satisfaction that I attended Gov. Charlie Crist's recent Climate Change Summit in Miami.

As stewards of Florida's natural resources, we at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission not only applaud the governor's efforts, we pledge to join him in his fight to protect our state's natural wonders.

The governor has brought hundreds of leaders to the table to begin addressing the complex issue of climate change. This is no small feat. Climate change may affect our peninsular state, with its magnificent coral reefs, regal Florida panthers and gentle manatees, more than any other state.

The future of our state's fish and wildlife depends on a wise leadership and a motivated public. This is a time for all proud Floridians to come together, work hard and set an example for the rest of the world.

I believe the impact of this summit will reverberate throughout the state, the country and the world. We must resolve that we will rally behind leaders such as Gov. Crist to preserve a rich natural heritage for future generations of Floridians. Let's do it.
Rodney Barreto
Chairman, Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation
Commission