Save the wildlife: don’t beach drive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bailee A. Darbasie
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and Tyndall Natural Resources offices are urging drivers to not operate their vehicles on the beach for the safety of all coastal life.

In accordance with Tyndall AFB Instruction 32-7003 Beach Vehicle Access Procedures, beach driving on base is restricted to official uses and emergency responses only. Those authorized to drive on the beach have had the proper training and familiarization prior to getting behind the wheel.

“Most of Tyndall’s beaches are designated Critical Wildlife Areas and home to multiple endangered species of sea turtles, shore birds and beach mice,” said Danielle Bumgardner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services wildlife biologist. “Unwarranted driving on the beach can be hazardous to the threatened animals and their nests.”

Tyndall complies with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, and within these guidelines, the base is obligated to facilitate the proper management of any endangered, threatened and protected species.

The base currently has 30 sea turtle nests resting along its many miles of beach.

“During the peak months of May through October, our beaches can see a lot of sea turtle activity,” said Johnson. “A big concern of ours is night driving because it can cause hatchling disorientation or lead to a nesting sea turtle getting run over.”

Throughout the sea turtle season, the Natural Resources office is responsible for conducting site surveys which include identifying, marking and protecting the sea turtle nests on base. However, some turtles may choose a location throughout the day, making it hard to keep those nests protected.

“Unmarked sea turtle nests can be easily missed by the untrained eye,” said Johnson. “That’s why our permitted drivers go through training. They need to be able to identify tracks and nests to protect the hatchlings.”

Johnson also warns of the hazards of striking shore bird nests and their chicks.

“The habitat for snowy plovers is slowly shrinking,” said Johnson. “They nest directly on the sand and forage on the beach. Once the chicks hatch, they’re flightless for their first few weeks of life.”

The only way to protect Tyndall’s wildlife and coastal ecosystem is to be vigilant, said Bumgardner.

“Hurricane Michael removed much of the base’s primary dune structure, which served as a habitat to many coastal species,” said Bumgardner. “Disturbances by driving in those areas will have destructive impacts to the coastal ecosystem.”

In order for the current vegetation to regrow the dunes system, base biologists say it’s crucial for base personnel to keep beach driving to authorized members.

“Tyndall is fortunate to have the amount of wildlife it has,” said Johnson. “Not everyone on base may know about the fragile nature of the endangered species, dunes and shoreline. We are hoping to educate those driving about the hazards to wildlife.”