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Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700 Contact: Media Queries, 305-242-7714 Contact: Program Inquiries, 305-242-7889
In a continuing effort to protect nesting Roseate Spoonbills, the west side of Palm Key has been closed to all access. Palm Key is located in Florida Bay approximately 2.5 nautical miles southwest of Flamingo. The area within 150 feet of the western edge of Palm Key as marked by buoys is closed to all entry. Roseate Spoonbills are currently nesting in trees along the western edge of this island. Disturbance from boating activity can flush adult birds off nests leaving eggs and chicks exposed to extreme hot/cold temperatures and predators such as crows or vultures. This seasonal closure will protect birds and nests from disturbance. The closure will be lifted once biologists determine that the nesting colony is no longer active. WHAT: closure of the west side of Palm Key, to protect nesting birds in this area from human disturbance. WHEN: until the end of nesting season when closure buoys are removed. WHERE: Palm Key is in Florida Bay approximately 2.5 nautical miles SW of Flamingo. - NPS - The National Park Service has more than 20,000 National Park Service employees who care for America’s 417 National Parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov. |
Last updated: December 4, 2017