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Audubon Connecticut Applauds Stratford Referendum Vote as Victory for People and Wildlife

Audubon Connecticut, the state office of the National Audubon Society, applauds passage of the Long Beach West Referendum, question number 7 on the ballot Tuesday, by the voters of Stratford. “Audubon Connecticut congratulates the Town of Stratford for taking this historic step toward ensuring that Long Beach West will remain undeveloped and open for the children and people of Stratford and Connecticut to enjoy forever,” said Tom Baptist Executive Director of the statewide organization.

Long Beach West, along with Pleasure Beach and the adjacent Stratford Great Meadows Marsh, is one 27 Important Bird Areas (IBA) recognized by Audubon in Connecticut. The beaches represent the largest stretch of undeveloped barrier beach habitat remaining in Connecticut, providing critical habitat to a wide variety of birds, including the federally threatened Piping Plover and the state-threatened Least Tern. Over 270 species of birds have been recorded within the Great Meadows IBA.

“Including Long Beach West in the National Wildlife Refuge system will not only be a victory for birds and other wildlife that depend upon this critical natural resource, but it will also ensure permanent public access to Long Island Sound for the residents of Stratford,” added Baptist. “Audubon Connecticut looks forward to working with the Town of Stratford, local residents, the USFWS and other conservation partners such as the Trust for Public Land, Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment, Connecticut Audubon Society, and our state and federal delegation to make permanent protection of Long Beach West a reality,” he added.

“Long Island Sound is recognized as an estuary of national significance and Long Beach West is a large part of what makes Long Island Sound such a special place. This important vote by the community to protect Long Beach West is yet another testament to Stratford’s commitment to conservation,” concluded Baptist.

Audubon Connecticut recently announced a commitment of $50,000 to develop a conservation plan for the Stratford Great Meadows Marsh, Long Beach West and Pleasure Beach ecosystem that will include public participation. The plan will outline the natural resources of this area, threats to those resources and the opportunities to improve the area for people, birds and other wildlife. Audubon Connecticut plans to start work on the plan shortly.