The President's Hootby Richard H. Baker, Ph.D.January 2006 At the PIAS office, we are getting calls about not seeing as many birds this year as one would expect. A few days ago I received a call from a reporter asking…
Recent News
Saving the Indian River Lagoon
The President's HootRichard H. Baker, Ph.D.November 2005 Our Indian River Lagoon is dying. This is true in spite of the many government agencies involved in trying to protect the lagoon-- two water management districts (St. Johns River and South Florida…
The Ultimate Exotic Weed
The President's HootRichard H. Baker, Ph.D.October 2005 In my first botany course, I learned that a “weed” is a plant out of place. Some plants and animals that have been introduced, either intentionally or accidentally from somewhere else, are called…
Citrus Canker – Is eradication the only solution?
The President's HootRichard H. Baker, Ph.D.September 2005 I am very concerned about the loss of commercial citrus groves and agricultural lands due to the current citrus canker eradication program. The burning and disking associated with eradication may be a temporary…
They are coming! But can citizens say where?
The President's HootRichard H. Baker, Ph.D.June 2005 Headline news from the PJ states that our Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council predicts a 57% increase in the population of Indian River County. According to their prediction, our current population of 126,829…
Two Hoots and a Holler
The President's HootRichard H. Baker, Ph.D.May 2005 Last week I received two good and one bad news reports. First the good news reports. Not seen in the U.S. since 1944, the Ivory-billed woodpecker, the largest woodpecker in North America is…
Goals And Accomplishments
The President's HootRichard H. Baker, Ph.D.April 2005 Two years ago, the board and I wrote down some goals for PIAS to achieve. I want to review these with you. Some have been met, but others still need attention. Strengthen the…
Gloria, Wine, Plywood, or Growth Control
The President's HootRichard H. Baker, Ph.D.March 2005 What is important in our city, town and county elections? If you follow the editorial pages and letters to the editor, you might think it is Gloria Estefan concerts, wine near churches, and…
Privatization & Management of Natural Areas
The President's HootRichard Baker, Ph.D.February 2005 Our government in Washington is discussing outsourcing the management of our National Wildlife Refuges, which are currently being managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Due to budget restraints some positions in the…
The Christmas Bird Count
The President's HootRichard H. Baker, Ph.D.January 2005 Yesterday, Nita and I participated in Audubon’s 105th annual Christmas Bird Count. We look forward to it every year as we get an opportunity to systematically bird with friends for a full day…