I started Project SOAR after visiting Midway Atoll in 2009. As a guest of the USFWS, NOAA, and the State of Hawaii, I learned a great deal about ocean issues and how vital it has been to have the USFWS presence out there in the middle of the Pacific.
Federal budget cuts have eliminated the kinds of programs that brought me to Midway and Papahanaumokuakea.............Sadly, there are NO volunteers allowed at the present time, volunteers who have been working with FWS staff to protect Albatross habitat in many ways and to help eliminate the tons of trash that wash onto Midway's shores each year. Visitors like me also helped to spread the word about important research findings about marine debris.
It is an eye opening and even life changing experience to visit Midway and I hope Congress will restore and, more importantly, increase funding over past amounts allocated to the Fish and Wildlife Service. I learned much of what you all have learned through SOAR by keeping in touch with Fish and Wildlife staff out there.......They are extremely dedicated, but can not function effectively without funding.
As one who has attempted to keep SOAR alive with no outside funds, I know what they face..........But, their mission and their place on the planet is far more vital than most of what any of the rest of us do...........Imagine if no one was allowed to visit Yellowstone National Park, the Redwoods, or any of the magnificent refuges and parks on the mainland!
Please write President Obama, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and your congressional representatives to urge more funding for Midway!
Federal budget cuts have eliminated the kinds of programs that brought me to Midway and Papahanaumokuakea.............Sadly, there are NO volunteers allowed at the present time, volunteers who have been working with FWS staff to protect Albatross habitat in many ways and to help eliminate the tons of trash that wash onto Midway's shores each year. Visitors like me also helped to spread the word about important research findings about marine debris.
It is an eye opening and even life changing experience to visit Midway and I hope Congress will restore and, more importantly, increase funding over past amounts allocated to the Fish and Wildlife Service. I learned much of what you all have learned through SOAR by keeping in touch with Fish and Wildlife staff out there.......They are extremely dedicated, but can not function effectively without funding.
As one who has attempted to keep SOAR alive with no outside funds, I know what they face..........But, their mission and their place on the planet is far more vital than most of what any of the rest of us do...........Imagine if no one was allowed to visit Yellowstone National Park, the Redwoods, or any of the magnificent refuges and parks on the mainland!
Please write President Obama, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and your congressional representatives to urge more funding for Midway!
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