Subject: Urgent Petition to Halt the Drift: Franchise Freedom Drone Show in Central Park on October 21, 2023

I, the undersigned, along with concerned citizens and advocates for the welfare of our environment and its inhabitants, submit this heartfelt petition to express our deep concerns and opposition to the upcoming "Drift: Franchise Freedom Drone Show" scheduled to take place in Central Park on October 21, 2023. This event, intended to celebrate birdlife, paradoxically poses an immense threat to the avian inhabitants of Central Park and the broader New York City area, particularly during the peak fall bird migration.

Central Park holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers and serves as a crucial haven for birds during their southward migration in the fall. At this time of year, countless species of birds pass through the city, using Central Park as a vital stopover to rest and refuel before continuing their long journey. However, the planned drone show, with its 1000 drones equipped with lights and blades, has the potential to become a disaster for these migratory birds. It is our fervent belief that the event should never have been allowed to take place during this crucial migration period.

Light pollution is already a severe issue in New York City, with excessive artificial light affecting not only humans but also causing significant harm to nocturnal and migrating birds. The sheer scale and luminosity of the "Drift: Franchise Freedom Drone Show" would undoubtedly exacerbate this problem. Birds are disoriented by excessive artificial light, often leading them off course, increasing their vulnerability to predators, and causing severe stress.

Adding the threat of drone blades to the mix is a recipe for catastrophe. Birds, often tired from their long flights, may not be able to avoid these drones. The potential for collisions between birds and drone blades, especially in a densely populated area like Central Park, is alarming and may result in an unacceptably high loss of avian life.

We are deeply dismayed that the New York City Parks Department and the Mayor's office have permitted such an event during a time when the utmost care should be taken to protect these migratory birds. Central Park is an integral part of the larger ecosystem, serving as an essential stopover point for birds during their migration. The callous disregard of the natural world displayed by permitting this event at such a critical time is both disheartening and unacceptable.

Birdlife is an integral part of the rich tapestry of life in Central Park and New York City. The health of our ecosystems and the wellbeing of these creatures is interconnected with our own. The presence of diverse bird species in our urban environment not only enriches our lives but also plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

We, the concerned citizens and advocates of nature, urgently request the following:

Immediate Cancellation or Postponement: We implore the organizers to reconsider the timing of the "Drift: Franchise Freedom Drone Show" and either postpone it or relocate it to a less critical time for migratory birds.
Comprehensive Impact Assessment: A thorough assessment of the potential environmental impact on avian species and other wildlife should be conducted, and the results should be made publicly available.
Transparency: We request full transparency regarding the decision-making process that allowed this event to proceed at such a sensitive time. We urge the Parks Department and the Mayor's office to consult with environmental experts and ornithologists to avoid such conflicts in the future.
Bird-Friendly Practices: Implement and promote bird-friendly practices in New York City, such as dimming unnecessary lights during migration seasons and raising awareness about the dangers of light pollution and glass facades for birds.
New York City has a rich history of environmental stewardship, and we must continue to uphold these values. We cannot let this event proceed without a thorough evaluation of its impact on our natural world. Our responsibility to protect and preserve the delicate balance of nature transcends any temporary spectacle.

We call upon the officials and organizers involved to prioritize the welfare of these migratory birds and act responsibly. For the sake of the living creatures that depend on Central Park, and to demonstrate our commitment to the preservation of our natural environment, we hope that you will consider our urgent request and take immediate action.

We, the undersigned, stand united in our concern for the wellbeing of these migratory birds and the sanctity of Central Park as a crucial resting place for them. We respectfully urge you to review your decision and ensure that this event proceeds without harm to our avian companions.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Levitt