Celery Fields hosts Roberts Bay Islands workshop

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold a Roberts Bay Islands workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20 at the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center at the Celery Fields, 999 Center Road, Sarasota.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission release stated, "The workshop will share information about and solicit comments on proposals to designate new Critical Wildlife Areas and modify five existing CWAs throughout the state. The proposed designations are part of a statewide initiative to conserve some of Florida's most vulnerable wildlife."

The CWAs are used to protect wildlife concentrations from human disturbance during critical periods, including breeding, feeding and migration. The Roberts Bay Islands are bounded by bridges between Siesta Key and Sarasota and have yet to be considered a CWA.

“This initiative to create more CWAs throughout the state is not just for bird watchers and wildlife aficionados,” said FWC Commission Chairman Brian Yablonski in a release. “This is something for everyone, and we want everyone to have an opportunity to be a part of the process.”

Feedback will be used to develop recommendations for CWA designations and modifications.

“Florida is renowned for its wealth of charismatic waterbirds, but they have fewer and fewer safe places to nest and rest,” said Julie Wraithmell, Deputy Executive Director for Audubon Florida said in the release. “FWC’s leadership on this effort will help ensure these places thrive for future generations of birds and people alike.”

According to the release, Roberts Bay is important for a variety of wading birds and shorebirds, including pelicans, egrets, herons, spoonbills and American oystercatchers. Nests or young birds are present every month of the year. Audubon Florida is recommending a year-round closure and a buffer to provide separation from boat traffic, bird watchers and photographers.