|
Post by Ira Runyan on Dec 23, 2012 12:03:28 GMT -5
For many years now I have been recommending a trip to the Viera Wetlands to those of us who are Handicapped, Disabled, Old, or in poor health because that was one of the few places in the State of Florida allowing them to observe wildlife from their vehicle.
Well, as of this date, the powers to be have denied access to 50% of the Viera Wetlands to the handicapped, disabled, and the old and sick by closing the roads to vehicles making the outer-most sections pedestrian-only areas. That means that Cell 4, Cell 3, and the western & southern sections of Cell 1 cannot be seen by citizens with health related disabilities.
Vehicle traffic does not disturb wildlife, but pedestrian traffic does.
|
|
|
Post by dgates on Dec 23, 2012 14:52:21 GMT -5
Ira, I think that this so wrong on many levels. I have a friend whose mom had a stroke and she loves going to the Wetlands. This will make them go somewhere else.
|
|
|
Post by Mark Renz on Dec 23, 2012 21:44:12 GMT -5
I am sorry to hear that Ira. I will be glad to join any others if you want to collectively suggest they reconsider.
|
|
|
Post by Ira Runyan on Dec 23, 2012 23:25:58 GMT -5
I am sorry to hear that Ira. I will be glad to join any others if you want to collectively suggest they reconsider. Mark, I think this is the department responsible for this decision to close the roads and in the process denied access to Viera Wetlands for the Handicapped, Old, and Medically Disabled. Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940 Tel: (321) 633-2016 Fax: (321) 633-2029 Contacting them and your County Commissioners may help.
|
|
|
Post by Mark Renz on Dec 24, 2012 8:33:39 GMT -5
Thanks Ira...I'll add one more voice.
|
|
|
Post by Tom Brewer on Dec 24, 2012 12:54:15 GMT -5
I suppose you could say I am in on this protest---BIG TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Mark Renz on Dec 24, 2012 18:07:54 GMT -5
Hi Tom, Ira...I just thought of something...perhaps sending a couple of your nature pics from Viera Wetlands would add "Visual" weight. Anyone else on this thread who visits there? Or, perhaps adding a thread...temporary or permanent..and inviting other photogs to participate? Just a thought.
|
|
|
Post by Ira Runyan on Dec 27, 2012 16:34:02 GMT -5
To be fair, Today I received the following communication from Cindy Lee who is with the Friends of the Viera Wetlands.........
Cindy Lee Hi Ira. My apologies for the inconvenience of the closed roads. I am with the Friends of Viera Wetlands non-profit group. We are a small fledgling group of Wetlands fans with lots of plans for the wetlands but few members and less funds to accomplish what we would like. The road closing was not intended to exclude differently-abled people. We are actually working on more ADA compliant parking and ramps - just lack the funds to make these things happen. The roads are a constant safety concern because of the huge pot holes that form every time it rains.The Friends group will be installing a donation box soon that we hope will help raise funds for things like road maintenance, ADA ramps, photography blinds and nesting platforms. We host an annual Nature Festival that serves as a fund raiser as well. We received a grant to install a camera that will focus on an active bird nest and will allow for sponsors. My point is: if you will be patient with us, we will eventually get the funds needed to pave or maintain the roads and hopefully be able to open all the roads to vehicle access. We are constantly working on making the Wetlands a better experience for everyone! and P.S. - we could always use new members if you would like to join us....
Why do they need a camera at an active bird nest? Would not that money be better used for road maintenance?
|
|
|
Post by Tom Brewer on Dec 27, 2012 18:03:16 GMT -5
"INCONVENIRNCE" AND "LACK OF FUNDS"---TWO MORE PHRASES A PERSON IN A WHEELCHAIR LOVES TO HEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Jerry Eisen on Dec 27, 2012 20:38:14 GMT -5
Maybe they should charge and entrance fee like MINWR blackpoint drive. I would be more than happy to pay!!!
|
|
|
Post by dgates on Dec 27, 2012 20:48:23 GMT -5
I would gladly pay a yearly admission too if that is what is needed. $5.00 for a visitor pass seems fair just like Black Pointe. I think I will join Friends of Viera if that helps at all.
|
|
|
Post by Ira Runyan on Dec 28, 2012 11:40:12 GMT -5
Rich, to answer your questions as to the makeup of the Friends of the Viera Wetlands, I submit the following information. Friends of the Viera Wetlands is an informal organization of dedicated volunteers and Brevard County staff with a common goal of promoting, improving, and conserving the Viera Wetlands. The members are working on lots of projects for improvements to the wetlands roads, conservation of habitats for it's animal inhabitants, and educational tours and events for visitors. Friends of Viera also has a website located at www.friendsofviera.org where sightings, information, and volunteer opportunities are posted. The site is a blog set up where only "members" of the orgination can post messages. They also have two (2) pages on Facebook neather of which appear to have much activity. Meetings of the Friends of the Viera Wetlands occur the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM in the Brevard County Natural Resources office located in Viera, Florida. The address is: Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940 Tel: (321) 633-2016 Fax: (321) 633-2029
|
|
|
Post by Ira Runyan on Dec 28, 2012 11:55:04 GMT -5
According to the county website for the Viera Wetlands (AKA Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera), approximately 60,000 visitors per year pass through the main entrance. ww3.brevardcounty.us/environmental_management/VieraWetlands-Home.cfm Now that 50% of the roads have been closed to vehicle traffic I submit that the remaining roads open will see much more traffic and as a result will fall in disrepair with potholes even faster than experienced in the past.
|
|
jryjr
New Member
Posts: 1
|
Post by jryjr on Dec 28, 2012 14:02:25 GMT -5
The logic of closing the "good" roads is poor. It will double the traffic on the "bad" roads. Makes no sense as the maintenance will stay the same. Tom Brewer, I am sure we can get access to handicapped folk. This smells like a call from some political type resulted in a knee jerk reaction.
|
|
|
Post by Ira Runyan on Dec 28, 2012 15:01:45 GMT -5
This is only a part of the Viera Wetlands that is being denied to the Handicapped, Old, or Medically Challenged. This is Cell #3 and Cell #4 which now is designated as a pedestrian-only area. So just how much of the Viera Wetlands is being denied to the Handicapped, Old, or Medically Challenged? The map of the Viera Wetlands below has the roads that have been closed marked in a red color. There is just no way someone Medically Challenged or Handicapped can see those parts of the wetlands.......
|
|