Environmental Advocates Distressed Over Sale of Florida Seabird Preserve

Bird Key, one of only two natural islands in upper Biscayne Bay, has long been a sanctuary for native birds. Named by British surveyors in 1770 during the reign of George III, this four-acre island has hosted scores of species, including egrets, cormorants, herons, and pelicans. However, its future hangs in the balance as the owner, Finlay Matheson, seeks to sell it for development into what could become “Miami’s most exclusive address.”

Source: NBC 6 South Florida/YouTube

Matheson, who purchased Bird Key with a partner for $36,000 in the mid-1980s, now lists it for sale at a staggering $31.5 million. The island’s zoning as residential presents a “golden opportunity for a developer” according to the listing with Miami realtor Audrey Ross. But environmental advocates are heartbroken over the potential loss.

Chris Boykin, chief development officer of Miami Waterkeeper, describes Bird Key as a natural gem. Covered with protected mangroves, it supports a wealth of marine life and serves as a nesting ground for various bird species. Boykin laments the possibility of turning this pristine island into condos, calling it a blight on the community and South Florida. Bird Key’s biodiversity makes it truly special and magical, and its value extends beyond real estate.

While the listing suggests that a purchaser could use the island for environmental mitigation or Donate it as an environmental treasure, Boykin questions the feasibility of preservation at the asking price. Miami-Dade mayor Daniella Levine Cava previously attempted to purchase Bird Key in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, but the deal fell through. Levine Cava remains committed to finding alternatives, including state or federal Support, to protect the area and expand Biscayne Bay’s Conservation efforts.

The Nature Conservancy’s offer for Bird Key remains open for negotiation. Even if the county cannot complete the purchase, its role in shaping Bird Key’s future remains significant. As an aquatic preserve with special environmental protections, any development plans would face rigorous scrutiny and strict standards. Despite challenges, advocates like Boykin continue to mourn the loss of the bird rookery and hope for a better outcome—one that prioritizes nature and environmental Conservation in South Florida.

There’s Only One Green Planet Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

Related Content:

• Greece Expands Marine Protection Efforts with Two New Protected Areas
• Toxic Oil Spill in Ecuador Impacts Protected Areas in the Amazon Rainforest
• Humpback Whale Habitat Protected by Biden Administration
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recommends Grizzly Bears Keep Protected Status
• Florida Manatees Face a Warm Water Dilemma Amid Renewable Energy Shift

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!