James Albert Rodgers oral history interview

South Florida native James Rodgers received his MS in biology from Louisiana State University and PhD in biology from the University of South Florida. Since 1979 James has worked in the Tampa Bay area, first as a warden-naturalist for the National Audubon Society and then as an avian biologist with the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (now know as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). In this interview, Rodgers discusses his role in protecting the population of the Tampa Bay bird sanctuaries. Rodgers explains the importance of systematic monitoring in the management and conservation of bird populations, the effects of resource shift on bird distribution, and the role of vegetation manipulation in providing a stable nesting environment. He also describes local threats to the avian population, including land development, habitat loss, and disturbances of nesting environments. Rodgers discusses the effects of the Tampa Harbor Deepening Project and the importance of securing concessions from developers in mitigating the environmental impact of their projects. Rodger finishes the interview recalling his interactions with the National Audubon Society and commenting on the current status of the avian and marine populations of the Tampa Bay area