For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost
November 7, 2007(323) 951-9620

Citing public confusion, the U.S. conservation group, National Audubon Society, is setting the record straight: The Paraiso del Mar Development and Golf Course in La Paz, Mexico, has no endorsement from National Audubon Society.

“The National Audubon Society does not endorse developments,” says Graham Chisholm, deputy director of the group’s California office. In fact, explains Chisholm, National Audubon Society often opposes such developments and, with few exceptions, maintains its sanctuaries as protected natural spaces for public enjoyment. 

The clarification may come as a surprise for many, since the golf course development in Mexico is being promoted as having a seal of approval from an unrelated organization called Audubon International (AI) that does work with golf courses. But AI has no affiliation with the century-old National Audubon Society (widely known simply as Audubon) or Audubon’s nearly 400,000 members and 500 chapters across the United States.

Audubon has been protecting species and habitats since its inception in 1905. AI’s parent organization was not formed until 1991, and has made golf course and development certification a focus of its programs. AI’s use of the familiar Audubon name is often a source of confusion for those who believe they are dealing with the older, larger and well-respected grass-roots conservation group.

“We hear from people who are confused by this all the time,” says Chisholm. “All we can do is set the record straight – Paraiso del Mar has no endorsement from the National Audubon Society, its members, or its chapters. We don’t endorse golf courses or developments, and no one should allow confusion to prompt their support.”

The National Audubon Society (Audubon) calls on journalists everywhere to carefully distinguish between the respected conservation icon and groups operating under similar names.

“Knowing who is and who is not behind a proposal can help the public make decisions on based on fact and not on confusion,” Chisholm adds.

About Audubon California

Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.