MEDIA RELEASE 28 January 2010 Vulnerable shorebirds in the spotlight Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management is calling on nature lovers and novices alike to join a regional identification and mapping program to secure the future of Fairy Terns, Little Terns, the Hooded Plover and other resident shorebirds in North West Tasmania. Volunteers will take to their local beaches in March for an extensive shorebird count between Stanley and Narawntapu National Park. To ensure that residents have all they need to contribute to the count, a free shorebird awareness workshop and beach trip is being held on Saturday 20 February starting from the Devonport Public Library. The workshop will provide participants with a great insight to shorebirds and their habitats. “This is the first time the region has worked together to create such a comprehensive identification and count of resident shorebirds,” said Dionna Newton, the program facilitator. “With everyone’s help we’ll be able to create a baseline record of the resident shorebird population health and be in a better position to detect and respond to any problems.” “We have had a good response from volunteers between Burnie and Port Sorell, but we’re keen to find more people to join the count from Burnie to Stanley. No experience is necessary, and there is no limit on the number of counters that can take part,” Ms Newton said. Participants in the count can expect to see the relatively common Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Red Capped Plover, and Gulls plus may even spot the endangered Fairy Terns, Little Terns and the threatened Hooded Plover. Residents interested in finding out more, or registering for the free workshop and beach trip, can call Dionna Newton at Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management on 6431 6285. End… Cradle Coast NRM works with community, industry, private enterprise and government to manage and improve our natural resources to ensure a healthy future for our region. Cradle Coast NRM is a committee of the Cradle Coast Authority. Media Contact/s: Dionna Newton Facilitator Cradle Coast NRM Ph: 03 6431 6285
Amanda Wilson Communications Manager Cradle Coast Authority Ph: 03 6431 6285