Construction of the football stadium at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) resulted in a significant loss of burrowing owl and gopher tortoise habitat, both of which are protected by Florida law (Chapter 68A-27). The main threat to both the owl and tortoise is the destruction of their habitat (http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/gopher-tortoise/rules-and-regulations/; http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/birds/burrowing-owl/). A mitigation plan was implemented that established ecological preserves in an effort to decrease the impact on these sensitive species. FAU is obliged to protect and maintain these key ecological preserves to fulfill their moral and legal obligations. Additionally, we have a unique opportunity to promote awareness of the delicacy of these habitats and the commitment of FAU to its mascot and all protected species.



The burrowing owl is not only our school mascot, it is federally designated as a Species of Special Concern, which is protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Regarding the threatened gopher tortoise, FWC states, "It is against the law to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises, their eggs or burrows” (http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/gopher-tortoise/rules-and-regulations/). The conservation areas, as they stand, serve to protect and maintain the habitat of these delicate species.



These preservation areas are separated by a parking lot (Lot 5). Recently, Lot 5 was designated as the FAU student tailgating lot. This tailgating location has proved to be problematic for the gopher tortoise and burrowing owl as destruction of their habitat occurred during the recent FAU/UMiami football game. Students and visitors entered into the unattended preserves, trampled on owl and tortoise burrows, and left behind litter. Because both of these species live in underground burrows, it is easy to inadvertently bury the animals by entering a restricted area on foot. Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) officers were called in to rescue the animals from their collapsed burrows (http://www.upressonline.com/2015/09/protected-reserve-recovering-after-destruction/).



Thus, this petition is a call to:



(1) cease and desist tailgating in Lot 5

(2) promote awareness of the purpose of the conservation areas

(3) post additional signage clearly delineating the boundary of the preserves

(4) provide additional restroom facilities so that large numbers of students and visitors will be less likely to venture into the preserve

(5) provide additional trash receptacles (including recycling bins) at all tailgating locations to promote sound stewardship of our campus

Please show your support for this cause by signing this petition.



If you suspect a wildlife law violation, report it to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Reward Program at 888-404-FWCC, 24-hours a day or online. You could be eligible for a reward if your information leads to an arrest.