Belize Audubon Society re‐opens St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.

P R E S S R E L E A S E
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dirk Francisco, Publicity Officer
Telephone: (work) 223‐5004/4987/4988
Email: publicity@belizeaudubon.org
Website: www.belizeaudubon.org
Media available: none


Belize City, Belize, November 16th, 2010 ‐ ‐ Belize Audubon Society is pleased to announce the re‐opening of the St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. BAS park directors and wardens have been working ceaselessly in the aftermath of Hurricane Richard to clear the fallen debris from the trails and get the park back to normal operations. The park was re‐opened to the public on Monday, November 15th, 2010. Visitors once again have access to the Blue Hole, St. Herman’s and Crystal Caves; and other activities. A couple of trails, however, have remained closed for ecological reasons so the vegetation in those areas has the opportunity to regenerate. Opening hours for St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park are 8:00am ‐ 4:30pm every day.

Please note that Guanacaste National Park, which was also greatly affected by Hurricane Richard, remains closed until further notice.

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St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park (SHBHNP) is located twelve miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. Established in 1986, SHBHNP encompasses 575 acres of riverine forests co‐managed by the Belize Audubon Society.
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ABOUT THE BELIZE AUDUBON SOCIETY
The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) is a non-governmental membership organization dedicated to the sustainable management of Belize’s natural resources through leadership and strategic partnership with stakeholders in order to create a balance between people and the environment.

Belize Audubon Society announces closure of two National Parks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Burgos-Acosta, Advocacy Program Manager
Telephone: (work) 223-5004/4987/4988
Email: advocacy@belizeaudubon.org
Website: www.belizeaudubon.org
Media available: none

P R E S S R E L E A S E

Belize Audubon Society announces closure of two National Parks

Belize City, Belize, Thursday, October 28, 2010 - -On October 24th the passing of Hurricane Richard had disastrous impacts on the country of Belize. Our protected areas were not spared; two of the most affected protected areas are Guanacaste National Park and St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. Both sites incurred tremendous damage with large amounts of trees having fallen. The closure of these protected areas is necessary for the safety of all concerned as damages have made most trails impassable and dangerous. The Belize Audubon Society will issue a public notice informing the public of the re-opening of these protected areas. We ask that all citizens and visitors be advised of this notice.
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The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) is a non-governmental membership organization dedicated to the sustainable management of Belize’s natural resources through leadership and strategic partnership with stakeholders in order to create a balance between people and the environment.

Tropical Storm Matthew Falls Lighthouse on Half Moon Caye Natural Monument

P R E S S R E L E ASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dirk Francisco, Publicity Officer
Telephone: (work) 223-5004/4987/4988
Email: publicity@belizeaudubon.org
Website: www.belizeaudubon.org

Belize City, Belize, October 1, 2010 - The historic lighthouse at Half Moon Caye has finally given way to the forces of nature, as a result of Tropical Storm Matthew. The Half Moon Caye staff was evacuated from the island in the threat of the storm, so all we know is that it was some time during the weather-event that the structure fell. The discovery was made by staff upon their return to the island on Monday and a complete assessment was conducted on a trip to the island shortly thereafter. The active lighthouse was unaffected and continues to function properly.

The structure, built in 1820, now lies as disintegrated pieces of metal partly in the water at the edge of the island. The lighthouse was upgraded in 1845 and the steel frame added in 1930. Originally located midway between the north and southside of the caye, the lighthouse in recent years had been gradually moving closer to the water as weather phenomena changed the dynamics of the caye, shifting it northward. The old lighthouse was decommissioned in 1997 and since then has been gradually decaying. Efforts were being made to preserve the cultural landmark, but it did not gather enough steam to generate the needed funding. In 1998, a new lighthouse was erected several metres away from the old structure.

Belize Audubon Society is currently seeking funding to erect a multi-function building visually replicating the iconic architectural design of the old lighthouse. This new structure will not only honor the old lighthouse but will also function as a visitor centre, communications center, and patrol and observation deck.

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__________________________________________________________________
ABOUT THE BELIZE AUDUBON SOCIETY
The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) is a non-governmental membership organization dedicated to the sustainable management of Belize’s natural resources through leadership and strategic partnership with stakeholders in order to create a balance between people and the environment. BAS co-manages nine protected areas on behalf of the Belizean citizenry, is actively involved and dedicated to community outreach, environmental education, advocacy, biodiversity conservation and research.

Hands Across the Sands in Caye Caulker

The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage called on Belizeans who are against Offshore Drilling to actively show their opposition to this activity by joining hands across the sands on Saturday June 26, 2010. Despite the threat of the storm brewing a few miles away East of the Caye Caulker shore, representatives of the Coalition and residents of Caye Caulker turned up at 12noon to join the millions worldwide by linking hands.

While holding hands, a chat was held, "Ail ahn Waata Noh Mix". Hands were joined for fifteen minutes, and afterwards, only footprints remained.

Hands Across Sands will also be held in San Pedro, at a date and location to be announced.