Stephen F. Bollenbach
Matthew J. Hart
Hilton Hotels Corporation
9336 Civic Center Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

RE: Bimini Bay Resort

Dear Mr. Bollenbach and Mr. Hart,

I strongly urge that you immediately stop clearing land or damaging more marine habitat due to construction of the Bimini Bay Resort. This development is already causing very significant disturbance to the entire Bimini ecosystem.

Hilton Hotels claims on its website that it has a commitment to environment protection. But the Bimini Bay development has been fought by scientists and conservationists for over a decade because of the disastrous impact it will have on the islands and people of Bimini and on the marine ecosystems of the entire area.

The mangrove forests of Bimini – the only ones in the region – and the associated inshore ecosystems are a refuge, breeding ground, nursery ground, and feeding area for some 140 species of animals, many of which range far beyond the islands and include endangered species. Obliteration by bulldozing and dredging will devastate the conch, bonefish, lobster and reef fish on which the Biminites depend for their sustenance and livelihood.

The maintenance of the proposed golf course will require pesticides and fertilizer, which will flow into the sea and further damage or even destroy the inshore environment including the local coral reefs.

This development is completely out of scale with the tiny islands that will be wrecked by it. Bimini Bay Resort, Marina and Casino will be devastating to the Biminites and, with the natural wonders of Bimini destroyed, the very reasons for visiting these charming islands will be lost.

Please take immediate action to stop this destructive project, and to stop all further mangrove destruction. I will join many concerned citizens around the world in closely monitoring your actions in this vital matter. I will base my future decisions regarding business and vacation travel accommodations on your response, and I will strongly encourage my family, friends, and business associates to do likewise.

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