Last week Grand Bahama Parks Manager for the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Lakeshia Anderson, met with the local citizens, tour operators, and fishing guides of McLean’s Town to discuss BNT’s proposal to extend the Grand Bahama National Park.
“We have held five prior meetings, and completed 150 one-on-one surveys in East End, and tonight we’re back to discuss the input from the communities and research findings, and how these components have provided guidance for proposed boundaries.” said Anderson.
When Anderson opened the floor to questions, there were comments and concerns surrounding the proposed sand dredging of the Bursus Cay area. Many locals suggested a possible expansion to the park boundaries, to include the Bursus Cay area. Local fishing guide Cecil Leathern stated, “We all know what will happen if this dredging is allowed; how it could destroy not only the bonefish flats and our lobster grounds, but also affect them down in Abaco. We need it all protected.”
The proposed East Grand Bahama National Park was unanimously supported by all in attendance. Making this area of East End into a national park is vital to BTT’s Bahamas Initiative and the local buy-in is key to it’s success.
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