We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of the State of Florida, urgently petition Florida's power utility companies to modify current tree trimming and vegetation management schedules to better protect the state's native wildlife during the critical spring nesting season.
Currently, routine maintenance and clearance operations — including large-scale tree trimming under powerlines — often take place during March, April, and May.
This timeframe directly overlaps with peak nesting season for dozens of protected and vulnerable bird species, including but not limited to cardinals, osprey, woodpeckers, owls, herons, and various songbirds.
The destruction or disturbance of active nests during this period not only poses an ethical concern but may constitute a violation of both state and federal wildlife protection laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and relevant provisions under Florida Statutes Chapter 379 pertaining to wildlife conservation.
In addition to the ecological harm, aggressive springtime trimming reduces already limited canopy coverage in many urban and suburban areas, further threatening biodiversity and increasing heat island effects across Florida communities.
We respectfully request that all non-emergency vegetation management operations under utility lines be suspended during the active nesting season (February through May) and rescheduled to commence no earlier than June 1st each year.
Specifically, we ask for:
A formal seasonal adjustment policy delaying routine, non-emergency trimming until June.
Emergency trimming (for public safety) to be conducted with on-site wildlife surveys prior to action.
Coordination with wildlife experts to identify and protect active nests.
This proposed adjustment is a reasonable, minimally disruptive change that balances public safety needs with vital environmental stewardship.
We urge utility companies and regulatory agencies to act swiftly in adopting this policy to protect Florida's unique and irreplaceable wildlife.
