Toyota and the Audubon Society

You all know the National Audubon Society, right? Founded by George B. Grinnell in the late 1800s, it’s an environmental organization named for the great wildlife painter John James Audubon (1785-1851).

Grinnell chose to name his organization after Audubon as it proceeded with its earliest projects – the protection of birds and their habitats. Today, the name Audubon remains synonymous with birds and bird conservation.

And now, fueled by a $20 million grant from Toyota, the Audubon Society has launched TogetherGreen, a nationwide program designed to fund conservation projects, train environmental leaders and offer volunteer opportunities designed to benefit the environment.

The $20 million Toyota grant will fund the program for five years.

During those five years, TogetherGreen will fund projects that employ creative approaches and engage diverse communities to help achieve measurable land, water and/or energy conservation results.

These projects include conservation fellowships to train and foster up to 200 environmental leaders who can serve as role models, expert guides and organizers for engaging new and diverse audiences in effective conservation action.

And they include volunteer days that will be offered at Audubon Centers and other locations nationwide, providing hands-on opportunities to address environmental problems and take part in restoration activities.

We’re involved, of course, because of our long-standing environmental commitment, and because of our eagerness to partner with others who share that commitment.

And we plan to become involved on a personal basis. In fact, we plan to encourage our 36,000 U.S. employees to participate in TogetherGreen as conservation volunteers to help take the individual steps that will add up to significant conservation results.

But the TogetherGreen outreach will go far beyond the participation of Toyota employees. It will also reach a diverse array of audiences through TogetherGreen.org, a site now under development that will help visitors discover dozens of individual conservation actions to help them independently "green" their lives.

Check it out. And if you like what you can see, pitch in. We think you’ll find that this project is worthy of your support, and that together, we can make a "green" difference.

- Jon F. Thompson, Corporate Communications

Comments

[Jason Diaz]

Isn't this the same society that is working on closing beaches in NC Outerbanks? One of the reasons I was excited to get my 4Runner and my Dad an Fj Cruiser to drive and fish on the beach!

[James Boswell]

My F150 has almost 200,000 miles on it.
I was all set to buy a new Tundra Limited.
Now that Toyota is involved with closing beach access in North Carolina I will buy another Ford.
Toyota is cutting their own throats by associating with an environmental group that pushes political agendas.

[seabass]

It seems so very ironic to me that the money Toyota is donating is being used against people who use their 4-wheel drive vehicles (and a lot are Toyotas) to access the beach at Cape Hatteras. This is an activity that DOES NOT do the damage to the wildlife that extreme environmental groups (Audobon chief among them) claim. The science will bear that out if anyone truly cares enough to read the science. I just hope that Toyota is willing to contribute equal funding to help all the citizens of Dare County, NC when their businesses, heavily dependant on the surf fishing industry, close and they lose thir homes and their way of life. A big thumbs down to Toyota for not investigating all the thousands of lawsuits that the NAS is currently involved in, which place the needs of a animals much higher than the needs of human existence. I am ashamed that my family owns three Toyota trucks.

[Skip]

Being Toyoda is helping fund the closing of NC beaches it would be a great reason not to support Toyoda by buying their products. Toyoda could spend their money in much better ways and need to mind their own instead of supporting such a stupid move.

[Tom Shacochis]

Sirs,I have been and continue to be an owner of two Toyota SUV's. While I applaud Toyota's interest in keeping things Green, I am disheartened by your contribution to the Audubon Society being used to help fund the closure of the beaches of the Outer Banks of NC.

The Cape Hatteras National RECREATIONAL Seashore was designated as a park for the use of the people. It is now being converted to a chain of islands to be used solely for the purpose of being a bird sanctuary. The prime areas for fishing, beachcombing, 4 wheeling and just PEDESTRIAN traffic will be OFF LIMITS by a lawsuit currently being contested in the Federal Court in Raleigh.

Your intentions may have been good, but the outcome is one that unfairly restricts access by the people who use this area for recreational purposes. I think that YOU need to rethink your gift and the way it is being used.

In the meantime, I'll have to rethink my alliegance to Toyota.

Thank you.

[Karl Wilson]

I was purchasing a Toyota Highlander when I heard the "very distrubing" news of Toyota supporting the special interest group "Audubon"... who is on the verge of destroying the RIGHTS and FREEDOMS of those of us who drive on the beachs on the North Carolina Outer Banks..
I CANCELLED my order and now own a new Cheverolet....
Toyota you are making a terrible "business wise" decision by supporting the very people who are taking away YOUR OWN BUSINESS..

[Brian Hogge]

It's a shame to see that Toyota is backing a group that is trying to close the Beaches in Hatteras, NC....... the same area that many make their living by selling tackle to the thousands of fishermen that fish off the same beaches that are targeted.

[Michael Owen]

Have really enjoyed toyota's all my life. Purchased a new 4 runner about six months ago for my wife. Was in the process of buying a sequoia. But after learning of Toyota finiancing the assualt on the NC outerbanks, I'll definately be looking else where. It's one thing to be green but to assault an entire community in this fashion is just unacceptable. It's very dissappointing to have to severe my enthusiam for toyota.

[Lyle Ritter]

I have to say, I have owned ( for years) and still own a fair number of your vehicles. Recently there has been a considerable amount of concern over the closing of a goodly portion of the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the public use.

I have utilized the Toyota Brand for many years to enjoy the outdoors and reguarded the environment while doing so.

But the concern I have is with a group that you have donated millions of dollars to, making a point of eroding a wonderful part of my families memories spent on the sands of the Outer Banks and Ocrakoke Island.

I would hope that you would see it in everyones favor to address the current Court Case and the numbers of past,current and future customers of yours that it will affect.

Thank you in advance

[Alexy]

Yes it is James,
They filed a Federal Lawsuit in raleigh NC to ttoally close the beaches in the Cape Hatteras National recreational area to not only beach driving but for bird habitat it would also close it to even walking. I love to fish and spend time with our children on th ebeaches there but I will NEVER buy a toyota again because of this.

[will brown]

I too was looking to trade my f250 in on a tocoma. Now that i have read that toyota is partnering with the National Audubon Society, i will never, let me repeat that "never" buy a toyota. I have many friends that live, work, and own businesses in the buxton area, and their livelyhoods are hanging in the balance. They are hanging with something that is believed to be, not proven. Toyota, you may want to rethink this.

[Carol Garris]

My first truck was a Toyota and it got me through college. In fact, the only thing that stopped that truck was a tree falling on it. My husband was also a Toyota buyer. We both had great experiences with our vehicles. Our daughter will be turning 16 in just a few short years and we were planning on buying her a Toyota truck to use. It would be great for her and her friends to use at the beach. HOWEVER, since Toyota has made the decision to support a group that will close the very beaches that she would have surfed on, we will not be doing so. I don't plan on ever owning another Toyota again.

[Rick in ESVA]

Me and my 4runner have been beachfishing all over the east coast. This action by the Audubon Society, and Toyota's donation, has forced me to re-think my next vehicle purchase. Bad move Toyota. Support surf fishermen, we put a lot of $ into the economy and we are the keepers of the beach! I have never run-over a piping plover.

[Richard M. Hatch]

"We hope that you'll join us as we veer from the beaten path and take to the Open Road."

But, stay off the beaches in North Carolina.

From the Audubon website: "Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. "

But, stay off the beaches in North Carolina.

I'm sure there is a lot of good that will come from these giants moving millions of dollars and buying votes. I'm sure those in North Carolina loosing their heritage and nature interface will hardly impact the big picture by choosing not to purchase Toyota products. (after all… what’s a loss of a thousand units in NC compared to the overall worth in advertising)

Life goes on…….

From a hunter/fisherman in Virginia

[Billy]

It is ironic that a company that sells 4 wheel drive vehicles would back such an organization that doesn't want there products on the very beaches it wants there products to be. Funny you would support the Audabon society. Those beaches are going to be taken away from the user and there is nothing we can do about but not purchase your products any longer. Oh what a feeling Toyota. My @$$. Thanks for nothing!

[Rob Collins]

I have owned Toyota trucks most of my adulthood. My wife is in the market for a new vehicle, and this time it may not be a Toyota.

I am sure Toyota meant well contributing money to The Audubon Society, but perhaps a little more investigation into their extremist agendas should have occurred first.

A large contribution may be in order for the families of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, who may lose their livelihood when the beaches are closed.

Might I suggest changing the name of your page to the "Asphalt Road Blog", since Open Roads are becoming a thing of the past.

[W.K Novak]

Saw 2 Toyota Thundra PU Trucks displayed at a Catfishing Quest Sat.and l was impressed with the precentage of US parts and that they were assembled here in the US. I said these are nice looking trucks got to go to a dealer soon and test drive one even though I've been a Ford owner for 30yrs or so.
Being an avid fishing guy as I visited my favorite fishing forum last night and read the posts about the Audubon Society trying to shut down my favorite Four Wheeling Surf Fishing Beach in Hatteras NC. I was deeply disturbed and when I read a post where Toyota Co. has contibuted a large sum of money to this cause I
thoughtit is kind of ironic that Toyota builds and sells four wheel drive vehicle to drive on the beach and then want to help shut a beach down in Hatteras NC.where so
many people use them for recreation and surf fishing.
If this beach close there will be no need for me and others to own a four wheel drive since that is where we want to use them..
Just don't understand this move by Toyota. You all must not have known.I hope if there is something that can be done to keep this beach open for the Sportsmen and women that use your products that you will address the issue.
Thank You!

[Mark]

I do not currently own a Toyota, but have recently been researching a 4-Runner for my teenage daughter. However, I will now be compelled to re-think my buying decision and look to another solution, after learning of the disturbing news that your company is contributing millions to support the Audubon Society, a special interest group currently working to close not only 4WD access but also pedestrian access to the popular Cape Hatteras, NC beaches.

[b frazier]

toyota needs to worry about other issues than n.c. beaches, put your money to better use make a difference in someones life not tear it up or maybe a better NASCAR team

[Leo Frederick]

This is basically a vote by Toyota to close Hatteras and all beaches to ORV usage. I can't believe Toyota would do such a thing. If I just bought a Toyota for fishing I'd be FURIOUS and yeah, I wouldn't want the truck anymore.

And just as I started to defend Toyota as the best alternative to domestic trucks - the styling and engineering has certainly come a long way. This "donation" is an insult.

Way to kick hardworking Americans in the face.

[Jay]

Yet another corporation being blindly sucked in by an extremist environmental group. This money will only be used to take away freedoms now enjoyed by Americans through loss of public access to "public" lands. Please don't tell me Toyota is considering donating to the Humane Society of the United States thinking that they will save puppies and kittens. I was starting to car shop to replace an aging Dodge, Toyota just got crossed off my list.

[joe roy]

You people ought to stick to selling your cars & trucks and leave our beaches alone. I hope your sales drop. I know one thing ....there won't be too many surf fisherman buying you trucks after this move.
An outraged surf fisherman

[JOHNNY RINGO]

Having recently traded my Ford Ranger for a 2008 FJ, I was excited to say the least. Within 3 weeks of buying it, here comes the news about the $20 million being donated to support a group that steps way over the line when it comes to conservation. They are now in the process of trying to stop all ORVs , including my new FJ, from using most of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Our local club, Delaware Mobile Surf-fishermen, Does more hands-on work for conservation than you could ever imagine! As a matter of fact we just this past weekend helped with the beach grass planting, which we do a couple times each year. We just celebrated our 50th anniversary! How about dropping some of your money where it will do more for the environment and less for the lawyers, who by the way are the only ones with something to gain in this instance! Don't get me wrong, I love my FJ, but I think Toyota should have done a little more research before donating to this group. Please feel free to contact me if you need an address to send the check. I guarantee it will be put to good use! Maybe you could sponsor our Special Olympics, or our day on the beach with disabled Vets?
Thank you in advance,
Johnny Ringo DMS#2255

[mike t]

I have 2 tacomas and am getting ready to sell one back on a new 08 because of the rotten frame issue. Now however i will see if i can cash out on it and look at a chevy. I can not believe Toyota has not stepped up yet on this issue. It amazes me that toyota is a backer of such a politacal group that has nothing to do with going green.

[Michael]

I have to admit, I am extremely disappointed with Toyota. As a business owner, I do research on clients and organizations before I make any decisions. It seems as though you have not, because you would have realized that the Audubon Society is a group of environmental terrorists.

I too decided to purchase a few new Toyota trucks for our business, and for my fishing needs. Because of this news, I have no choice but to support a boycott of Toyota vehicles. It's only a matter of time before the Audubon Society attacks neighboring states of NC with their groundless arguments and fictional evidence.

[Eric Byrd]

I am a american car owner and have always wanted to own a Toyota. With the rising gas prices it was going to be one of my next purchases. However, with Toyota's donation to the Audubon Society I will NEVER BUY any Toyota. Ever. Toyota has made a grave mistake to help those who's are trying to ruin the lives of people that they do not know by closing the Cape Hatteras National seashore for one little bird. They don't live there and don't know how negatively it will affect thousands of peoples lifes. Toyota will never get my business now or ever! Shame on you for donating that money to a lost cause.

[Kevin]

Too bad, too sad. You guys just shot yourselves in the foot for a stupid move as this. The OBX was set forth for the recreational use for the public, and now with your donation, it will be used to pay lawyers to have our free access taken away from us and millions more who visit the OBX. Bonehead move on your part. Ford did the same thing many years ago and realized they made a mistake and pulled out from supporting these wacko's. I think it would be wise to do the same thing, but who am I, not your next customer. New Chevy here I come.

[CECIL LITTLE]

I AM VERY UPSET THAT TOYOTA HAS SUPPORTED THE AUDUBON SOCIETY TO CLOSE DOWN CAPE HATTERS NATIONAL SEASHORE, AS WELL AS OTHER PLACES TO OFF ROAD DRIVING. I WILL MAKE YOU A PROMISE !!! I NOR ANY OF MY FAMILY OR FELLOW OFF ROADERS WILL EVER BUY A TOYOTA AGAIN. I WILL ALSO INFORM ALL OTHERS NOT TO BUY A TOYOTA AND PROTEST AT YOUR DEALERSHIP IN MY HOME TOWN.

[Jim Brown]

Since Toyota's backing of the Audubon Societies efforts to close Hattereas Beaches, I will paraphrase a well known Toyota Commercial catch phrase.
"Toyota NOT NOT NOT" lol

[joe]

My family had been searching the market for a new minivan to use for our yearly summer vacation to the Outer Banks, where my kids enjoy swimming and playing in the sand, and both my wife and I enjoy catch-and-release surf fishing. The Toyota Sienna had garnered our interest... that is, until I heard of Toyota's donation that will help Audubon finance shutting down some (or maybe eventually all???) of the beaches we enjoy frequenting.

Rest assured, after Toyota's support to Audubon, the Sienna (and any other Toyota vehicle) will now most certainly be left OFF of my list of potential vehicle purchases.

[Capt.Steve]

My family have been Toyota owners for years. I regret buying my wife her AVALON this year after learning of Toyotas support of the Audubon Society. I am a conservationist at heart but shutting down driving on the beaches of the Outer Banks is unbelievable. You have no idea what an impact this will have on our lives and the lives of the people who work and live on the Outer Banks.. A corporation such as yours should beware of who you partner up with. Chevrolet has a new customer at my house. Hope it was worth your investment.

[Rd jr3]

I have recently been thinking of buying a toyota but because of the donation of 20 million to the Audobon Society I am changing my mind. I hope Toyota will look in to this issue not supporting an organization that would destroy the economy of so many friends on the Outer Banks. Why sell a 4x4 to us then donate 20 mill. to someone who wants to shut down the beaches where they are driven on.

[JMS]

Toyota needs to research the hidden agendas of agencies that it chooses to support.

[Ken Wilson]

I have just learned of your contribution of $20M to a special interest group (Audubon) which is using “birds” as an weapon for us "Four Wheel Drive Vehicle Owners" to loose our beach access at Cape Hatteras National Recreational Seashore (CHNRS) located on Hatteras Island, NC & as an owner of a Toyota myself, I’m very disappointed in the fact that you have donated to a special interest group that may make your sales of 4-wheel drive vehicles decline should access to all beaches on the East coast be denied in the disguise of BIRDS (they are already in the process of getting papers together to start on the closing of Cape Lookout National Seashore down south of us, as of this writing). I realize that Corporations are trying to gain appeal as "GREEN" for sales purposes, but you are hurting the people that purchased your vehicles in the meantime, as most 4-wheel vehicles are used for beach access.
I suggest making matters correct in the eyes of your purchasers & future purchasers that you contribute to a non-profit organization that is trying to fight to keep our beaches open such as Outer Banks Preservations Association (obpa.org) which their mission statement is to "Preserve & Protect Not Prohibit" and could greatly use donations at this time to fight for the people’s rights for access. Right now we are in the middle of a lawsuit with Audubon/ Defenders of Wildlife/SELC, which will probably deny our beach access on CHNRS completely/or partially as of 4/4/08 in Raleigh, NC. Because of your donation, this helps them & other special interest groups fund more lawsuits around the country to do their biding in the name of the protection of birds.

If your corporation would like to find out exactly what Audubon is doing to our Island’s economy, people’s heritage & way of life, it can be viewed on the link below which I strongly suggest you view:

http://islandfreepress.org/

It’s my feeling that it’s a sad day for every one of us that live in the United States who vote, that special interest groups are really the ones running our government with their monies & views, not the elected officials that we put into office by our vote which is why this country’s gas prices are going so high right now. Please consider the little people who need your help, more then groups that get donations from all the gullible people unaware of their tactics they use in the disguise of helping/protecting the animals.

Thank you for your time & consideration on this matter.

[Jay Nickerson]

I am writing to express my disappointment with Toyota and your involvement with Audubon in the TogetherGreen program. Audubon in suing to close the North Carolina beaches to the long held tradition of driving on the beach. Some of the best surf fishing on the east coast will be unreachable.
By Toyota providing Audubon all the money it needs hire the best lawyers Toyota is an active participant in this assault on sportsmen.
I’m buying a pickup this summer and I know one thing for sure – it won’t be a Toyota!

[Rob]

I never have owned a Toyota myself. I have always wanted an old FJ or Landcruiser for some reason. But as others stated above I now will have a bad taste for a company that makes a decision like this and has not responded to the questions and comments about the impact to the CHNS. What bothers me most about the way Audobon and the groups work is they operate under the "conservation" hood when in reality they are trying to push pure "preservation". Here's a quote I found, but couldn't find the author: "Conservation: The maintenance of environmental quality and resources or a particular balance among the species present in a given area. The resources may be physical (e.g. fossil fuels), biological (e.g. tropical forests), or cultural (e.g. ancient monuments). In modern scientific usage conservation implies sound biosphere management within given social and economic constraints, producing goods and services for humans without depleting natural ecosystem diversity, and acknowledging the naturally dynamic character of biological systems. This contrasts with the preservationist approach which, it is argued, protects species or landscapes without reference to natural change in living systems or to human requirements."

[Will from S. MD]

I am not going pretend that I was about to purchase a brand new Toyota next week because I wasn't. I do, however, already own a 4-Runner that I bought about 2.5 years ago used from a local dealer. And more to the point, I don't even use that truck when heading down to OBX - it's merely a "back up" ride that gets used more on the weekend errands.

That being said, it is my feeling that when a company donates a large sum of money (and $20 million is a LARGE sum of money regardless of overall company revenues), that company is making a statement that it COMPLETELY supports the organization to which it is contributing to. That includes its focus, its intentions and its means.

So, as such, I am assuming that Toyota has made itself fully aware of the goals of the Audubon in regards to its attempts to shutdown one of the countries most famous beaches. More so, I am assuming that Toyota has made itself aware of the tactics used by the Audubon (and associated environmental groups) in "fighting" this battle. I am also assuming that Toyota has made itself fully aware of how these groups are intentionally presenting distorted information full of mis-truths and exagerated claims in order to garner the support of its members as well as sway the opinion of those involved in the legal process. And based on the research that would most certainly accompany such a large supporting donation, I am assuming that Toyota is full aware of how a fair negotiating process was put into play in order to reach a settlement agreeable to both sides, only to see the party representing the environmental group breach their agreement of good faith discussion in favor of filing an injuction to stop all ORV access.

To be quite clear, to see that you've contributed to groups such as this who employ dispicable and downright unethical tactics is quite disturbing. To know that you've contributed to a cause that will likely destroy the livelihood of thousands is upsetting. To know that Toyota is a supporter of a group who is attempting to prevent my children from reliving some of my most cherished memories and experiences saddens me deeply.

I can only hope Toyota makes better decisions when building their vehicles then it does in giving away their money!

[Jonathan]

As an owner of 2 Toyotas this news really bothers me. You should have done much more research before blindly donating money to this eco terrorist group. They are not concerned with birds, only with limiting the rights of Americans. I think I might have to look for another car company.

[Kenneth Floyd]

I own 2 Tundras and a Camry and I hate to say it but they will probably be my last Toyotas. I will not support a company that is financially backing an organization that threatens to take away a way of life for the people of Hatteras Island. These beaches that I know and love are only days from being closed to ORV's and pedestrians.

[Chris Cohoon]

I was trying to decide 2 weeks ago between the Ford F250 and the Crew Max Toyota Tundra. Thank you Toyota for making it an easy decision for me! I purchased the Ford F250 the next day after reading that Toyota had donated $20 million to the Audobon Society. These are the same folks that are involved in a law suit to close access to NC beaches which is the primary purpose for which I bought the vehicle. Toyota really ought to have done their homework on this one before donating so much to an organization who on the "surface" appears to do such good for the environment but when you dig a little deeper into the causes they support you will find that they are purely an extremist special interest group that shows little regard for the human race, traditions, local economies, or scientific facts for that matter. If Toyota would like to show a sign of good faith, how about making a contribution to the Outerbanks Preservation Association (www.obpa.org). Of course, they wouldn't get the exposure that an Audobon donation would bring but at least they would be putting their money into an oprganization that truly believes in beach preservation and the rights of humans and wildlife together coexisting as was intended when the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area was origianlly founded. I am truly happy I made the decision to go with the Ford. Wise up Toyota and do some investigation before donating such a ridiculous amount of money to an organization that enables and promotes the demise of local economies, traditions, and recreational activity.

[tunaboy]

Toyota you blew it big time. I am now a non customer. If you won't recind your donation to the Audubon Society, then you should donate 20 million to the Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA). This group has been around for many years and is actually interested in improving conditions on the Outer Banks (for everyone).The goal of the Outer Banks Preservation Association Inc. is to work with the National Park Service to develop a comprehensive Off Road Vehicle use and management plan that will meet the concerns of the environmentalists without compromising Hatteras Island's distinctive lifestyle and economic growth.
Come on Toyota step up and support OBPA and not the politically agenda driven Audubon Society, (who want to take away this beautiful area from the people who have used it respectfully for decades).

[George Mock]

Too bad, Toyota. Looks like you got sucked in. Audubon was once an honorable, worthwhile organization but now they are just one of the many Environmental Extortionist organizations that are out there. Audubon's only purpose now is to send out requests for donations which feature sad, sad stories all ending with "won't you help by donating"? Then they use the donations to finance more mailings so they can make more money. Money which mostly goes to pay salaries.

My son is working on buying a new truck right now. He's really looking at a Tundra. But considering your donation to Audubon, I'm lobbying very hard against it.

[rocket]

Well it's pretty clear Toyota, you dropped the ball on this one and not a single comment of thanks from any member of the Audobon Society. You still have a chance to make things right and I suggest you consider it.

[JJ McGovern]

I have owned many cars and trucks over the years. My 2 wheel drive toyota tacoma has easily been the toughest, most durable car I have ever owned. It is on its third set of tires. Nothing else has ever gone wrong with this car. I currently have three cars. One of which is an older SUV I use to access the beaches of NC to surf fish. I have been considering selling all three of my vehicles and getting a tundra as it would meet all my needs. The way things are going, off road ability may no longer be a requirement.

[Hugh]

Add me to the list of Toyota owners/surf fishermen who, barring your rectification of the Audobon fiasco, will never buy another Toyota vehicle.

In case you think this is just a reaction from OBX/NC locals, people come to Cape Hatteras from all over the country to enjoy the open ORV access there. Many use their vehicles to access remote fishing spots. But many more use them for all other forms of beach recreation.

Believe me this is just the tip if the iceberg. This summer when thousands upon thousands of Tundra/Tacoma/FJ/Rav4/4Runner/Sequoia owners descend upon the outer banks only to be denied vehicular access, they are going to be upset. Then they will ask the local business proprietors who are facing economic ruin what happened. The locals will be only too ready to tell them Audobon took away ORV access through the court system using false testimony and TOYOTA gave them 20 million dollars to fund the effort.

So all of these Toyota owners' hard-earned vacations will be ruined and you will bear the blame. Are you ready for that? You may only read a little about it on this blogsite, but you will see it in a large way on the showroom floor.

[Billy Corbett]

I am shopping for a new vehicle and I am impressed with the Toyota 4runner. Being ready to make the purchase, I was shocked to find out that Toyota supports the Audubon Society. The reason I was choosing the Toyota 4x4 is because I often go surf fishing in Hatteras and this is a great 4x4 for surf fishing. However, I cannot possibly support a company that contributes an extremist group that wants to close access to the beaches that I love. I'm on my way to a Chevy dealer

[chris]

before i read this thread, i had no idea what whiny babies NC toyota owners were.

i guess i missed the part in the constitution guaranteeing the right to spoil beaches.

[Mark Midgett]

My 2004 Jeep Cherokee has 97,000 miles on it. I was looking to get a Toyota Fourrunner to replace it. With Toyota's support of radical conservation groups like The Audubon Society, I think I'll stay with a Jeep. Sorry Mike Johnson in Hickory.

[returntosender]

OK - you got on the wrong side of CAFE standards for the greenies, even though you make the Prius. Then in order to settle things down, you contribute an amount so massive as to cast doubt not only on your judgment, but on financial prudence. You say your donation is specific toward certain purposes. Let me remind you that money is fungible, and all you have done is free more money up to, among other things, deny access to the beach.

Not good. I will be upgrading my vehicle in the near future. I had already made my mind up on the Tundra. I am so thankful I had not already made the purchase. People drive vehicles for function, but knowing full well it makes a statement about them. For a surf fisherman, you've made Toyota an embarrassment.

[Outer Banks Local]

Wow a little bit of outrage from vacationers and locals alike. All this anger you be directed to positively affecting the outcome of the injunction.