Why doesn’t Fla. use wind energy?
Sunshine State isn’t as windy as you think. But wind still has a place.
National parks and wildlife refuges are feeling the impact of what may soon be the longest government shutdown in U.S. history in the way of overflowing trash and no park rangers, bathrooms or visitor center staff.
News of the trash and other issues angered and inspired a number of people and organizations.
“They should not allow people in if there is no staff,” said Drew Martin, conservation chairman of the Loxahatchee Group of the Sierra Club. “Why are people going in there and not taking their trash?”
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge west of Boynton Beach has seen a similar fate as national parks; a closed visitor center and bathrooms and no staff to empty the trash and recycling bins.
“I can’t believe people are doing this in our national parks and our national wildlife refuge,” Martin said. “When you bring something in, you should pack it out. That’s what you do when you go backpacking and that’s what people should do at the Loxahatchee Refuge.”
Individual volunteers and organizations around the country have been picking up trash and manning the visitor centers, providing pamphlets and information to visitors to the extent they can. One organization involved in cleanup efforts is the Ah-
madiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA). They have had volunteers cleaning up at the National Mall, Cuyahoga National Park, Independence Hall, Joshua Tree National Park and Everglades National Park.
“The inspiration for us is simply that we don’t see service only as a civic duty but as a part of our faith,” said Umar Ahmad, president of the Miami chapter of AMYA.
“Following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, we feel that cleanliness and service to our nation are both mandatory. Taking a few hours to clean our beautiful National Park happens to encompass both. Furthermore, our Khalifa, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has advised us to take care of our environment. This work in the Everglades and elsewhere, in addition to planting trees and adopting highways, is one way to care for our planet.”
Martin said that despite the selflessness and helpfulness of volunteers, the responsibility of should not fall on volunteers whose work can be focused on other causes.
“It’s about personal responsibility,” he said. “I don’t see why a bunch of volunteers should have to go clean up after people who are irresponsible.”
Ahmad said that he doesn’t want reports of trash or short-staffed parks deter them from visiting or from being responsible with their trash.
“I would say that folks should not feel any hesitation, assuming of course there aren’t any restrictions or warnings in place,” he said.
“Especially these days when we have cool weather in South Florida. Anyone that does go should go with a “pack in and pack out” mentality and try not to use the already overstuffed trash cans. If folks go out and enjoy the parks during this shutdown, they should make a point to go back and support the National Parks Service.”
Ahmad said that park guests seemed grateful for the group’s efforts. “The vast majority of folks we met while at the park were incredibly thankful, respectful, and realized their own personal responsibility for keeping our parks clean,” he said.
“Whatever our background or religion, we can all appreciate the importance of keeping these beautiful lands pristine.”
For more information, visit www.AMCMiami.info.