Frank M. Dunstan Biography
Inspired by the first Earth Day in 1970, Frank M. Dustan decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. After completing his degree, Dunstan moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1973 and served as warden/biologist for the National Audubon Society’s Tampa Bay Sanctuaries’ wildlife sanctuaries until 1977. During this time, Dunstan published several articles on wetland and avian ecology and conservation. Dunstan continued his environmental work in the Northeast where he held several positions, including Urban Forestry Program Coordinator with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the Vice President and Director of the Sanctuary Department with the National Audubon Society.
During this interview, Dunstan discusses his time in Tampa representing the National Audubon Society. He describes the importance of managing estuarine nesting sites for colonial wading birds and seabirds. He also talks about several challenges he faced, including the effects of the Tampa Harbor Deepening Project, unauthorized bird hunters, and environmental pollution.