The University of West Florida's 10-year campus master plan seeks to shift the community within it, especially the wildlife ecosystem. Being a nature preserve, UWF's main campus is home to a number of species, not just humans. These species include a pair of bald eagles that have laid their nest in the Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary. The master plan includes developing the land surrounding the nest would affect the eagles' habitat.
The second half of an article from the Pensacola News Journal shows concern from Barbara B. Albrecht, a marine biologist from the university, about the very nature of this very subject.
Here's a link to the article:
http://www.pnj.com/article/20120207/NEWS01/202070321/UWF-s-Campus-Master-Plan-draws-neighbors-ire-forum.
If the master plan is approved, how will all of the development and change affect the preservation of plants and animals residing in the sanctuary? What's going to happen to their ecosystem? Albrecht's statement considering an "environmental survey of the wildlife and species inhabiting campus woods and wetlands" is essential to proceed with an answer to this issue.
In order to get the big picture, the university will have to look at all aspects of the master plan, the pros and the cons. I would like to know how much groundwork the designers and planners have covered with the nature of the university in mind. Because at UWF, I'd like to think that the environment plays a significant role in the campus community.
We always boast about the fact that our institution consists of 1,600 acres of prime wilderness. It's only fair that we sustain, maintain, and protect it.
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