The members of Wyncote Audubon Society in Pennsylvania would like to add their voices to those protesting NASA’s proposed commercial vertical launch complex on 200 acres or more on what are now Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore.
We understand that Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore exist on property owned by NASA. Merritt Island NWR is an overlay of the Kennedy Space Center, and the Refuge manages NASA lands through an agreement which allows NASA to withdraw lands for space facilities. The proposed facility would result in a significant loss of scrub habitat, loss of wetlands, would impact sea turtle nesting due to lighting issues, would result in loss of habitat for several endangered or federally threatened species, and would eliminate the use of most visitor facilities and programs.
The development of either of these sites would affect approximately three quarters of a million visitors annually. This would amount to an average of over 2000 people a day. Impacts associated with the development of Site 1 or Site 2 to Playa Linda Beach on the CNS are unclear, but could potentially affect another three quarters of a million visitors a year. These visitors include hunters, birders, fishermen, boaters, hang gliders, hikers, beach goers and others.
We strongly believe that the only appropriate course of action for NASA to take is to preserve intact this area of phenomenal biodiversity in Central Florida and consider other more ecologically suitable sites for the launch complex.
photo from DKIMAGES
When NASA worked out the administration of the now MINWR and CNS areas of the Kennedy Space Center a half century or so ago, it was presumed that there would be little outcry if they decided to expand into these natural areas. But that was before 50 years of habitat destruction in surrounding areas, and the extinction of the Dusky Seaside Sparrow in Titusville, which drew worldwide attention.
In 2007 a study was conducted to assess 14 possible sites on NASA property that would be suitable for the commercial vertical launch complex. These proposed sites boiled down to two that were considered suitable for the project. Site 1 is located along the Atlantic coast south of the Shuttle Launch Complex 39A and north of the Atlas Complex 41. This is the area known as Kennedy Space Center, and is closed to the public. Site 2 is located within MINWR east of SR 3, north of SR 406 and south of the Scrub Ridge Trail.
We believe that either one of the proposed sites is unacceptable. Site 1 has a large population of Florida Scrub-Jays, Florida Gopher Tortoises, Florida Beach Mice and Indigo Snakes. Site 2, which lies within the refuge, would involve temporary as well as permanent closings of a number of areas within this ecologically irreplaceable refuge which hosts a number of listed species. Areas that would be affected, or possibly closed if Site 2 should be chosen, would be: Black Point Wildlife Drive, The Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center, Cruickshank Trail, Scrub Ridge Trail, Oak Hammock Trail, Palm Hammock Trail, Haulover Canal in the vicinity of which are boat ramp, sports fishing, Manatee viewing and waterfowl hunting.
There are other potential sites on NASA property for the proposed commercial vertical launch complex. Some of them are outdated, but could be revitalized and put to use. We believe that these and other sites should be considered for the development of the complex. For instance, NASA has not considered any sites on the adjacent Air Force Base because they have no jurisdiction over Air Force owned land. In our opinion, NASA and the Air Force should have discussed potential sites before starting this whole process. As has been suggested, a comprehensive study should be done to determine the most appropriate site for the launch facility on federally owned land at the Cape, regardless of which federal entity currently has jurisdiction.