They came to express their concern for the preservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat. They came to shout their joy that one more small piece of the wild is now accessible to the public, accessible in a way that will be minimally invasive to the Florida panther and the various other animals and plants that inhabit these 26,400 acres.
The Panther Refuge, located just north of I-75 on route 29, was established 16 years ago under the authority of the Endangered Species Act to protect the Florida panther and its habitat. Since that time the Refuge has been closed to the public except for occasional tours for persons specifically involved in support of the Refuge.
"We promised the public that we would find a way, not to intrude on the cat's habitat, but find a way to get the public out there," Sam Hamilton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife southeast regional director, said, noting that in opening two trails in the Refuge they have kept their promise. One trail is about 3/10 of a mile and is accessible to wheelchairs. The other is a longer hiking trail.
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"When you invest in the land," Sam Hamilton said, "it will pay dividends."
He then discussed the land's most recent dividend, the discovery of the Ivory Billed Woodpecker, a species thought to be extinct. Then, he emphasized, "That was on a national wildlife refuge in Arkansas."
President Theodore Roosevelt started the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903 by setting aside about 20 acres at Pelican Island, Fla., as a bird sanctuary. He was concerned that for future generations there would be no wildlife left if something weren't done. From that small beginning the system has grown to 540 refuges encompassing 100 million acres throughout the United States.
"This is a treasure" Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart said. "It is a wonderful treasure that we have here. Now, because of these partnerships of local, state and federal agencies, and public and private groups, that have worked so hard year after year after year, more people will be able to see what we are all so crazy about."
Marge Duncan, the major contributor to and force behind the handicapped accessible trail, spoke to those assembled for the trail opening.
"In 1998, I was looking for a cause to support, a cause that I knew my daughter would agree with and be enthusiastic about," Duncan said. "So, I knew it had to be for the benefit of an endangered animal, preferably a predator. What I wanted was a group that was close to the problem, fighting on the front lines, people who were knowledgeable, determined and dedicated. I found you."
The wheelchair accessible trail is dedicated in memory of her daughter, Leslie M. Duncan.
Anne-Marie Miles, president of the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge, spoke of future plans.
"We intend to put up a kiosk and have tour guides available on weekends and have information about the trail and sightings of wildlife on the trail," she said.
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, the group walked the short trail, where they were greeted by the Panther Posse, children from various schools in the area. Stationed at strategic places along the trail, the members of the Panther Posse spoke on panther crossings, the place of fire in the ecosystem, unobtrusive infrared photography of panthers, and how to recognize signs of panthers.
The two trails now opened encompass a very small portion of the refuge, about 50 acres, but the rest of the refuge will remain unavailable to the public.
"The main concern is to minimize the impact to wildlife," while giving the public access to the Refuge and educating them regarding the ecosystem, Deputy Refuge Manager Ben Nottingham explained.
"Access to the rest of the Refuge would impact wildlife in a negative way," he said.
The Refuge biologists and other employees are careful to enter the refuge only on the old trails and only as necessary to study and monitor the wildlife.
