Stop Paragliders From Destroying Critical Wetlands and Wildlife

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Sponsor: The Rainforest Site

Paragliding is threatening Orlando’s wetlands and wildlife—take action now to call for a ban and protect this vital ecosystem before it’s too late.

Stop Paragliders From Destroying Critical Wetlands and Wildlife

The Orlando Wetlands are home to one of Florida's most vital ecosystems. These wetlands provide sanctuary to a wealth of wildlife, including many threatened and endangered species, and serve as an important natural resource for water filtration, flood control, and biodiversity. Yet, this delicate environment is being threatened by recreational activities like paragliding, which disturb the wildlife that rely on this space for survival.

Why the Orlando Wetlands Need Protection

Located just outside of Orlando, the wetlands are a critical habitat for birds, reptiles, and other native species. Migratory birds often rely on the wetlands during key stages of their life cycle, using the area to nest, rest, and feed. For these species, the Orlando Wetlands are not just a natural wonder—they are a lifeline. Paragliding in the area disrupts this delicate balance by introducing noise, sudden movements, and close proximity to wildlife, causing unnecessary stress during critical periods like nesting and feeding1.

The Orlando Wetlands are home to species that cannot afford disruption. When paragliders soar through the area, wildlife can be forced to abandon their nests, lose valuable feeding time, or flee from the environment entirely. This can lead to displaced animals, reduced reproductive success, and even deaths in the most vulnerable species. The effects of these disturbances can ripple throughout the entire ecosystem, putting the entire wetland's health at risk2.

The Consequences of Inaction

If we continue to allow paragliding in the Orlando Wetlands, we risk losing the very species that make this area special. These wildlife populations face enough challenges from climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. They don’t need added pressure from recreational activities that disrupt their natural routines. Immediate action is needed to preserve this sanctuary before irreversible damage is done.

Why We Need a Ban on Paragliding

By banning paragliding in the Orlando Wetlands, we can ensure that the wildlife is not disturbed and that their habitats remain intact. A ban would protect the area from unnecessary noise and disturbance, allowing species to thrive without the added stress of human activities. This step is crucial for the future of these wetlands and the animals that call them home.

Wetlands are more than just wildlife habitats—they play a critical role in Florida’s environmental health. Wetlands help filter water, regulate local climate, and mitigate flooding by absorbing rainwater. The Orlando Wetlands also provide a space for education and recreation, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to witness Florida's natural beauty. Preserving the sanctity of these wetlands ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to experience these benefits1.

Take Action Now

We can protect the Orlando Wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them—but we need your help. Your signature on this petition will send a strong message to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and local officials that the time to act is now.

The Orlando Wetlands are irreplaceable, and we cannot afford to let them be damaged further. Sign the petition today to help protect the Orlando Wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them.

More on this issue:

  1. Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel (2 May 2025), "Paragliders invade Orlando Wetlands! Birds spooked, birders aghast."
  2. Jorge Tobajas, Francisco Guil, and Antoni Margalida, Environmental Conservation (09 December 2021), "Effects of free-flight activities on wildlife: a poorly understood issue in conservation."

The Petition

To the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Mayor of Orlando and the Orange County Commissioners,

We, the undersigned concerned citizens and advocates for wildlife conservation, respectfully petition your offices to take immediate action to ban paragliding in the Orlando Wetlands, a delicate and critical ecosystem that supports a wide variety of endangered species and vital natural habitats.

The Orlando Wetlands is a rare and irreplaceable ecosystem, providing essential habitat for countless species, including migratory birds, reptiles, and aquatic life. These wetlands act as crucial breeding and resting grounds for many threatened species, and their environmental significance cannot be overstated. However, human activities, such as paragliding, can cause serious disruptions to the wildlife that depend on this sensitive environment. The noise, sudden movements, and low-flying activity inherent in paragliding can cause undue stress to animals, particularly during nesting or feeding seasons, leading to abandonment of nests, loss of vital resting time, and even displacement from critical areas.

As stewards of Florida’s natural resources, it is your responsibility to ensure that we protect these ecosystems for future generations. The practice of paragliding, particularly in areas like the Orlando Wetlands, poses a direct threat to the delicate balance that sustains the local wildlife and overall biodiversity.

The Orlando Wetlands are more than just a recreational area; they are an essential part of Florida’s ecological landscape. They provide numerous environmental benefits, including flood control, water filtration, and carbon sequestration. They also serve as an educational resource, allowing future generations to learn about the importance of wetland ecosystems. Protecting this habitat from disruptive activities is crucial to preserving the integrity of these functions.

We urge you to enact a ban on paragliding in the Orlando Wetlands to protect the sensitive wildlife and to preserve the health of the ecosystem for the long-term benefit of all Floridians. This action will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty and ecological benefits provided by these wetlands without compromising their environmental integrity.=

By implementing this ban, we are not only safeguarding wildlife but also fostering a culture of responsible environmental stewardship. These efforts will set an example for other regions facing similar challenges and ensure that we leave behind a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient ecosystem for all. This proactive step will guarantee that the Orlando Wetlands remain a thriving sanctuary for both wildlife and people alike.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We trust that you will act swiftly to protect this vital part of our natural heritage.

Sincerely,