There will be no MI shoot this year
Hi Y'all,
Its my sad duty to report that I will not be hosting a Merritt Island shoot next year.
I wanted to continue the our yearly shoot but changes at the Viera Wetlands prevent me from doing so.
With the economic crisis Brevard's County Commissioners (aka the five stooges) decided that Brevard could be helped by cutting one third of the maintenance budget for the wetlands, a total of $20,000.
So now when it rains they close the wetlands to vehicles and instead of working on the roads, they do nothing and wait for them to dry out before re-opening the place. Now this decision is costing Brevard well over the "saved" $20,000 in lost tourist dollars from visiting photgraphers and birders but nobody seems to realize that.
Anyhow, I can not in good conscience have folks come in from around the US, Canada and Europe and not be able to have some assurance that the main shooting location will be open.
Its been a great run but times and circumstances have changed. It was great while it lasted
Its my sad duty to report that I will not be hosting a Merritt Island shoot next year.
I wanted to continue the our yearly shoot but changes at the Viera Wetlands prevent me from doing so.
With the economic crisis Brevard's County Commissioners (aka the five stooges) decided that Brevard could be helped by cutting one third of the maintenance budget for the wetlands, a total of $20,000.
So now when it rains they close the wetlands to vehicles and instead of working on the roads, they do nothing and wait for them to dry out before re-opening the place. Now this decision is costing Brevard well over the "saved" $20,000 in lost tourist dollars from visiting photgraphers and birders but nobody seems to realize that.
Anyhow, I can not in good conscience have folks come in from around the US, Canada and Europe and not be able to have some assurance that the main shooting location will be open.
Its been a great run but times and circumstances have changed. It was great while it lasted
Harry
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
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Comments
I had noticed Viera being closed more often, it seemed, but did not know that our County Commissioners had another of their wonderful ideas. This one that had become a problem to me personally. I would drive around and wonder when the road would be filled and graded. Now I know the answer is going to be "Not this year or next" :cry
Glad I live in Rockledge so I have the ability to say "I can always try tomorrow" when I want to shoot at Viera. But I will miss having my primary spot available almost all of the time.
I read about photogs talking about Viera all over the web. I hope people aren't booking expensive trips only to be totally disappointed when they get there!
On the plus side...I guess the birds won't care.
My website | NANPA Member
www.adamstravelphotography.com
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However, if anyone wants to come shoot in Viera or Merritt Wild life, give a hollar and we can let you know whats up.
West coast is reliable though..
We shall find birdies
Cheers all....
techwish@netzero.com
Give me a shout
If I can be of any assistance to visitors here to Viera or Merritt
Gale
www.pbase.com/techwish
That's the spirit!