October 1, 2012

Statement on the upcoming “alligator hunt” at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge from the ARTHUR R. MARSHALL FOUNDATION FOR THE EVERGLADES.

After carefully reviewing the facts of the situation and listening to the concerns expressed by protestors, the ARTHUR R. MARSHALL FOUNDATION FOR THE EVERGLADES wishes to clarify our position:

1) While we appreciate the need for appropriate population maintenance, the Marshall Foundation can not support a “sport hunt” of alligators at the Refuge.

2) While it is troubling to be called vicious names by those who would normally be our conservation partners, we very much appreciate the environmental concerns that they have expressed and we join them in opposing the plan to offer "sport hunting" of alligators at the Refuge.

3) The right to protest is one of the greatest freedoms that we enjoy as Americans and the Marshall Foundation applauds those willing to take a public stand on controversial matters.

John A. Marshall

Chairman & Spokesman for the Florida Environmental Institute

Nancy Marshall

President

Josette Kaufman

Executive Director