In an attempt to spare the local sea bird population from any harm, a town in Oregon cancels the Fourth of July firework show for sea birds.
Town in Oregon Cancels the Fourth of July Firework Show for Sea Birds – photo by Fox News
According to Fox News, an Oregon town has reportedly canceled its annual fireworks show out of concern the Fourth of July pyrotechnics will scare sea birds roosting nearby. The town of Depoe Bay has canceled their pre-Independence Day fireworks show on July 3 following pressure from federal wildlife managers who said the noise disrupts sea birds in the area.
While the lack of fireworks will certainly spare the sea bird population, however, local businesses were not pleased with the announcement as they depend on the stunning display of fireworks to bring in foot traffic to support the local businesses in the area. According to Peggy Leoni, co-owner of Trollers Lodge, a small motel in Depoe Bay,”It’s a great loss to our community.”
However, Rebecca Chuck, a deputy project leader with the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, said the move was of vital importance and is worth the risk of losing a day of business to protect species such as the Brandt’s cormorant that nest at Pirates Cove that will be driven away with the loud noises of fireworks.
Pirates Cove is less than a mile south of Boiler Bay and is the location where the fireworks show is held. It also serves as the seabird colonies home base on the north coast face, where they face intensifying pressure from bald eagles and other predators. Another fact that has many of the residents concerned about the cancellation of the firework show is that the event at Boiler Bay has been a tradition since 1993.
Town in Oregon Cancels the Fourth of July Firework Show for Sea Birds.
