TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The U.S. Air Force is the trustee of over 8 million acres of natural habitat; to ensure the protection of wildlife, two groups came together to invest in lessening man-made impacts on the environment.
The 325th Civil Engineer Squadron Natural Resources flight teamed up with Boy Scout Troop 302 of St. John’s Catholic Church to install a base-wide monofilament fishing line collection system to help maintain wildlife areas.
“We’re hoping that the project cleans up Tyndall and brings awareness to an otherwise unknown issue,” said Nathan Beaucage, Boy Scout leader.
According to the Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program website, most fishing line is not biodegradable and can last hundreds of years. Improperly discarded fishing line causes devastating problems for marine life and the environment. Marine mammals, sea turtles, fish and birds become injured from entanglements or might ingest the line, often dying as a result.
Visitors can dispose of unwanted and used fishing line in one of 15 recycling bins around base dedicated to that cause.
“We found numerous strands of discarded fishing line when we were installing the bins, so I can attest that the project is already fulfilling its purpose of cleaning up Tyndall,” Beaucage said. “Less apparent to those enjoying the activities Tyndall’s recreation areas have to offer is the benefit the project gives to wildlife.”
“The program gives vulnerable wildlife like birds, fish and turtles a better chance to enjoy life uninterrupted,” he added. “The presence of these animals in turn adds to the outdoor experience enjoyed at these recreation areas. Needless to say, it’s a pretty big conservation issue, and every little bit of line removed from the environment means a great deal.”
The hope of receiving the Hornaday Badge, a badge for outstanding service to conservation and environmental improvement, for their hard work and dedication to the project is a thought amid the Scouts’.
A big part of Boy Scouts of America is conservation and environmental studies, and investing time in projects like these plays an important role for a scout on becoming future leaders.
“I’ve always been passionate about conservation and environmental issues, so I’m really grateful that Natural Resources was able to offer support and allow me to pursue my goals while protecting the Earth on the way,” Beaucage said.
“It shows that Natural Resources is serious about keeping Tyndall’s recreation and wildlife areas in pristine condition,” Beaucage said. “Mitigating human impact on the environment shows Tyndall is proactive about taking responsibility as a steward of the environment.”