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

[John Fenning]

I just read through all these responses and do not see one from anybody thanking Toyota. I do bet the Audubon society sends a tank you note with another donation form.

The NAS started out as a great organization and had many worthwhile projects, that has all changed in recent years. I will only ask that if you are truly interested, go back and look into funded projects past and present. The present ones you will not get a clear picture of the issue from their website, you will have to do your own research. Case in point the ‘battle’ for Cape Hatteras National Recreational Area. Please check ALL the data and known facts against what this organization presents to the public and in court. It is not lying, just withholding the truth.

By donating for a specific project Toyota freed up other donations that would have gone to that and are now funding what can only be called misleading campaigns for misguided projects. So in reality Toyota did fund the lawsuit against the people of Cape Hatteras.

I do hope Toyota also plans on making large donations to smaller organizations, such as the Outer banks Preservation Association, that are fighting a worthwhile cause also. There are smaller organizations that could use the funding to truly do the environment and wildlife good without spending a large percentage of the donations on funding to solicit more donations.

Please take the time to fully research the organizations and ALL their programs before making more large donations with your customer’s money.

[James H. Sloop]

I own a Toyota Tundra. It has 95,000 miles on it and has been a remarkable truck. I love my Tundra. I purchased the Tundra for one reason and one reason only. I surf fish on the Outer Banks of NC. I spend about 35 days a year surf fishing. The extra investment in a dependable 4 wheel drive that (I only use the 4 wheel drive aspect of the vehicle for 10% of the year)has been totally worth the investment. I've been giving serious consideration to trading for a 2008 Tundra. BUT, now, I may not. For two reasons: One: Due to environmental groups filing for injunctions, I may be prevented entry onto the beaches of the Outer Banks. If the beaches are closed to ORV use, I do not need a truck nor do I need a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The second reason that I may not trade for a Toyota, even if the injunctions are defeated and I can drive on the beaches, is this: Why would I want to purchase a vehicle from a company that is supporting the very groups that are trying to keep me from surf fishing? Makes no sense to me. I plan to investigate other vehicles.

[Charles Klein]

I am the past owner of 2 Toyotas and was on the verge of buying another one this week until I learned of the $20M donation to the Autobohn Society, the very organization that is attempting to close down the beaches on the Outer Banks where I have been surf fishing for the past 20 years
which is now coming to an end.
Thanks TOYOTA, I will be going elsewhere for my new 4 wheel drive

[W.D. Brand]

The wife was ready to buy the new yota. That is until we found out you sleep with the tree huggers. Not in the rest of our lifrtime will we own your suv. A very, very bad business decision. The entire country will boycott your cars over this. wdbrand.

[DareCoFisherman]

The impact of Toyota donating to the Audobon Society will impact far greater people than those of us that enjoy the beaches of the Outer Banks. Not only will we loose access to one of the worlds greatest fisheries, we will loose many of the local businesses that depend on vacationer's and fisherman who travel to the Outer Banks solely to drive on the beaches. I am currently a Toyota owner and was in the market for a new Sequoia, but I will no longer purchase from a company who supports taking away my right to have access to the public beaches of the Outer Banks. Come on Toyota, do the research and help the people who respect the beaches of the the Outer Banks, support the OBPA not the Audobon Society.

[W.D. Brand]

A further comment please: The only way you will ever save face is to donate 20 million to the Outer Banks Preservation Assoc. who is carrying the fight to preserve our rights in this beach issue. wdbrand.

[Eddie A. Fort]

I was at the Roanoke, VA Toyota Dealership 2 weeks ago test driving a Tundra to replace my F series Diesel in a effort to reduce my fuel bill.
Then I find out about Toyota's support of Audobon and their efforts to close the most important beaches in Hatteras, NC where my family & I go several times a year.

Needles to say I'll pay $20 a gallon for diesel before I'll consider a Toyota again...

[David Wood]

If by creative approaches you mean supporting the use of overpaid lawyers to sue the National Park Service, then you nailed it. One of the biggest segments of Toyotas sales market is people looking for vehicles to use during recreation. I bought my SUV because I can use it for recreation. My family buys Toyotas and Hondas almost exclusively. Because of Toyotas reckless support of the Audobon society I will be buying only Honda's in the future. I support the environment but not at the expense of reasonable and safe use of off road areas like the Cape Hatteras National Sea Shore. It won't stop there. It will continue until there is no place left to use your SUV's and trucks. Please use your money more wisely in the future. You can support the environment without destroying an entire areas economy. Put your money to use somewhere more effective and less compromising.

[Harry Idema]

Ok! so now let toyota donate at least that much to organizations that support recreational fishermen such as the RFA but not necessarily limited to them. That only seems fair and it gets toyota off the hook no pun intended,and we can all buy new toyotas.

[Ben Hathaway]

I am disappointed that you will help fuel the machine that is fighting to close the Best Surf Fishing on the EAST COAST to Off Road Vehicles. I have alway thought Toyota was the Creme ala Creme as far as quality. Until you do something like fund a group that wants to keep Off Road (4wd= high dollar Toyota) Vehicles on the Beach. There Website is WWW.OBPA.ORG donate.. make it public.. watch sales rise.

[Phil Stevens]

I was looking at either an FJ or Tacoma to replace my chevy, but after seeing Toyota dontate $20 million to a group dedicated to removeing ORV access in the Cape Hatteras National Receration Area, I thought no way. I use my ORV to access the Outer Banks, and will not support a company that is against beach access.

[L. A. Journigan]

Like many on this blog, I am very dissapointed that Toyota has donated 20 million dollars to the Audobon Society. In part of your response to this donation you say you are specific in your instructions on how this money is used. Do you believe that saves you? This was a huge donation. Even IF your dollars were going to other things it frees up other dollars for them to close a resource where your products are used. Are we to believe Toyota just throws 20 million at charity without understanding what that charity is involved in? Oh what a feeling.......If you want me to ever be an advocate for your product again I expect some action on your part Toyota. Make this right. Maybe you are not concerned with the voice of a few but I assure you I will take every opportunity avaiable to me to let folks know where you stand. I am sure you wanted exposure for this donation but I do not believe this is what you were hoping for.

[Rich Harper]

I am a long time toyota suporter.My family has purchaced 5 new toyota vehicles in just about as many years.I am a native of the Outer Banks NC, the area under attack by the Audobon Society.I have read your official response towards people questioning your 20 million dollar grant to Audobon, and just can't believe it. Your donation will have an effect on the local economy by letting them direct their money (that would have gone elsewhere) towards closing our beaches. People come here in far greater numbers to fish and enjoy our beaches than to bird watch. Your 20 million grant to Audobon is effectively money out of the pockets of the Outer Banks locals.
By the way my latest Toyota purchace was less than 60 days ago.It will be my last if Toyota does't donate to a LOCAL pro beach driving group. This isn't a small local problem, it's a national one. It just started locally!!

[Stuckmon]

Just read Toyota Management's response to the $20m Audubon contribution. They established conditional uses for the funds which allegedly don't include legal fees, litigation matters, etc. One of the acceptable uses is "to fund conservation projects"...that's what the six Hatteras/Ocracoke Beaches will become if Audubon is awarded the injunction it seeks to ban ORV access. The war of words and deception continues. Nice try, Toyota! Oh what a feeling!!

[John Ellenberger]

This donation came at a time when efforts by special interest groups, specifically including the National Audubon Society, have been making a serious effort to destroy the retirement that I have worked toward for too many years already. It seems interesting that a donation would come from Toyota when it seems that members of the Audubon Society are more than willing to paint ORV owners as a group of Rednecks.

In light of this poorly directed contribution by Toyota, I have already convinced one person not to by a Toyota Rav4. It is interesting how often I am queried about 4x4 purchases.

I found it was easy to identify similar (also spelled competitor) vehicles produced by companies who seem to care about the interests of the people who buy their vehicles.

It really is a shame that a company that produces ORV's would make such a contribution to reduce their own potential market, and simultaneously alienate potential customers.

One thing I have noticed over the years, once someone feels like they have gotten the short end from a company, there is enough competition that there really is not much reason to go back. This is especially true when it comes to vehicles.

[beermanrick]

Didn't John James Audubon shoot and kill the birds with the smallest buckshot so I wouldn't alter the feathers of the birds he paited. Sounds like the great wildlife painter wasn't such a great guy afterall. Way to go Toyota.

[setayj]

Toyota's support for the Audubon Society is a slap in the face to me and thousands of others who frequent the beaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Audubon Society has flagrantly misled the public and been deceitful in their dealings in the negotiated rulemaking process dealing with public access. Toyota's support of this organization is disgraceful. My wife has driven Toyota vehicles for the last thirty years. There will be NO MORE Toyotas in my family!!

[Charles King]

Unfortunately,in light of Toyotas decision,I am embarassed to say I own a 2003 Tundra, purchased for use at Cape Hatteras. The good news is,it PROUDLY wears the OBPA tag!!

[Bob Anderson]

I am totally outraged about Toyota donating $20M to a group trying to close the beaches of North Carolina. Don't get me wrong, y'all make a good truck and I seriously wanted a Sequoia... but not now. Not ever. And you know? My son will never buy one... and his son(s) or daughters... and theirs. It's just the tip of MANY pyramids!!!

Nice move Toyota.

[James Miller]

I have been a Toyota customer since my first Tercel in 1981. My most recent Toyota purchase was a Tundra pickup, bought to surf fish at the Outter Banks of NC. Driving on the beach at the Outter Banks is in grave danger of being discontinued because of a suit the National Audubon Society has brought against the Nat. Park Service. If the suit is successful, I won't need my Tundra any longer.
Regardless of the outcome of the suit, however, I have bought my last Toyota - car or truck. You folks should do a little more research before supporting an organization such as the National Audubon Society.

[Bruce Carter]

I too am very upset at your donation to the Audubon Society.

Like many others here I do not live near the OBX but vacation there 2-3 times a year because of the great experence of being on the beach, and I also like many others will spread this word to all my friends and they to their friends, so as you can see it will effect you from all over the country not just a single area, how many eco terroist here are thanking you .... none .......

Toyota step up to the plate and do the right thing and save your great reputation, and withdraw your donation, You have more to loose than gain by this

Subaru has found a way to be green by having a plant desingated a wildlife area and zero waste .... I am sure a great Company as you are can find a better way to help this great planet

[Tim]

There are plenty of other worthy groups that support conservation-oriented causes that Toyota could have contributed to. But your company chose to support an organization that is attempting to end fishermen's access to the premier surf fishing spots on the east coast. The irony is that the people Audobon is trying to lock out are the people with the strongest and truest dedication to protecting and preserving the areas in question. Audobon has become a mindless, political money-generating machine and Toyota has become one of its financial pawns. Sportsmen and their families will be looking elsewhere to purchase their next vehicles.

[Ian Russell]

I have owned a 1993 Toyota 4x4
1999 Toyota 4x4
1993 Corolla
1999 Corolla
2001 Corolla
2000 Tundra 4x4
2005 Corolla
and considered myself a "Toyota Guy"
Toyota has no idea how the donations have angered me.
I will retire in Cape Hatteras in 11 months and if I cannot drive on the beach....rest assured my Toyota days are over!

[H. Mullins]

"So we say again: This donation will be used only to fund conservation projects, train environmental leaders and offer volunteer opportunities, not for lobbying or legal efforts.

We thought that you should know that.

- Mike Michels, Corporate Communications"

So the monies in thier general fund, that would have gone to pay for these projects, have now been freed up by your contribution and are now available for thier legal fund. Thanks!!

[Randy]

Toyota is doing a good job of biting the hand that feeds it. I own a 4-Runner and think it's an excellent vehicle, but I will be ashamed to be seen on the beaches of Cape Hatteras in it.

[Dave Wigginton]

I am appalled to learn of Toyota's contribution to the Audubon Society. This is a classic case of a Corporate executives making uninformed decisions and folding to previous pressures in order to be politically correct. Someone simply did not do their homework in understanding the true foundation and agenda of these extreme organizations such as Audubon. The court case regarding beach closures on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is very disturbing and without factual foundation and will have economic impact not just locally but nationwide. I am not against conservation and preservation but there is a zone of reasonableness and Audubon has crossed the line. Think for a minute how much the Red Cross, The Cancer Society, or the American Heart Assocation, as examples would have welcomed $20 million. This would be helping people across the nation in times of disaster and performing research. You may think and publish retoric that your contribution to Audubon is to be used for specific purposes,however you are again being very naive as that money allows them to indirectly allocate dollars into extreme causes. I currently own two SUV 4x4's that will need to be replaced this year and have considered your Tundra as one, but no longer. I can not support you, both personnally or with family and friends, if Toyota does not support us! I urge you to rescind the donation to Audubon in total or make a like kind donation to The Outer Banks Preservation Assocation!
Thank You.

[Irene]

I have owned 2 Toyotas in the past and I believe that are/were great vehicles. However, being a NC resident and a very frequent visitor to the NC beaches where my husband and I 4-wheel drive on the beaches to surf fish, I can say that I will not purchase another Toyota, knowing that they are supporting the Audobon Society. I am all for saving the birds and wildlife which I greatly enjoy when we visit the Outer Banks. I have never even seen another fisherman or people riding on the beach show any abuse to the wildlife, and usually on the contrary they go out of their way to protect the birds and wildlife that make the NC baeches so great. In your article you said you were surprised at the response to your donation. Well, if you did better research on where you give money if wouldn't be hard to figure out that your contribution to such an extremist group would cause an uproar. The recreational beach users on Hatteras and the Southern beaches are the livilyhood of the residents there. If beach driving is outlawed, which seems very likely, it could easily destroy the local economy. People come from all over the US to enjoy our lovely beaches, but with the lawsuit from the NAS and the DOW this could come to an end very soon.
I will surely be spreading the word to everyone I know about Toyotas donation. I know you say it will not be used for litagation, however, it just frees up some of their own money, so more of their money can be used for their lawsuits, etc. We are not really stupid. How about forking out a little money for the local economy that is going to be destroyed? The people from the NAS should be thinking of ways for us to continue enjoying the birds and the wildlife,in its natural setting, not keeping us away from it. What good are learning centers and "outreach" centers if we don't have access to "real" wildlife. I guess they would rather us go to a musuem and see a picture of a bird or a turtle.
Shame on you Toyota, but supporting this group and this cause.
Iren

[Eric]

Well my lease is almost up on my nissan frontier and I was thinking about getting a new FJ, but since toyota chose to support audubon and not NCBBA or OBPA I think i'll just stick with nissan.

[Dan Jones]

I have been a die hard Toyoto man for many years now and have always had excellent service from my Toyoto Supra and we now own 2 Camrys and were going to probably buy a third one this summer. I now have changed my mind and am going to buy a Nissan instead. I am for the first time ashame to say I own a Toyoto. I will never contribute to a company that supports an org. that is dead set to take our public beaches away from the people it was set aside for in 1932 to give it to a few dumb birds that don't have enough sense to not nest on a flat beach that is prong to flood anytime a storm comes ashore. You got to be kidding me. Destroy the lives and economy of an entire county for a dozen birds that don't have sense enough to come in out of the rain. I have always heard it said that in nature only the strong survive. A bird that makes it's nest on a beach that is under water during storms had better be lucky, cause, he sure is not strong! There's another old saying we have down here."If you lie with sleeping dogs then sooner or later you're going to get bite!" Well in my book you can consider yourself bite!!!!

[Dylan Birkett]

This is a slap in the face for all surf fishermen. I cannot in good conscience consider buying any Toyota vehicle unless they consider an equally generous donation to the United Mobile Sportfishermen.

[Paula]

Don't you think you could have thought of something better to do with $20 million dollars, say breast cancer research or helping needy children. Anything but the Audobon who are trying to shut off the beaches of the OBX. Maybe you should donate some money to the villagers whose business will suffer greatly due to your actions. Moving Forward??? Yeah Right. I better your sales will be Moving Backward.

[George]

Toyota is right to contribute to National Audubon! Many of the writers above have been misled. Nobody is trying to "close the beaches." The Cape Hatteras lawsuit only asks for closure of 12.9 miles of the beach in the most critical bird habitat areas. Let's share the beach, with some closed to vehicles, some open. I'm on my third Toyota and will keep it up.

[James Blair]

Well intentioned, but totally misguided. Toyota and many of the folks out there really don't understand the radical nature of of these groups. If the majority of contributors knew their true agendas, they would not support them. Their articles and web content makes them sound well intentioned, but their actions and how they spend their money tell the whole different story. These Societies once served a good purpose, however the radical greens have taken them over and they are going well beyond the intent their original charters.
I was extremely distressed when I heard that Toyota donated money to these folks. After many of years of being a loyal Ford truck owner, I bought a 4Runner a couple of years ago to use on the beach. If the Audubon society has their way there will be no reason to own an off-road vehicle.

[James Blair]

Well intentioned, but totally misguided. Toyota and many of the folks out there really don't understand the radical nature of of these groups. If the majority of contributors knew their true agendas, they would not support them. Their articles and web content makes them sound well intentioned, but their actions and how they spend their money tell the whole different story. These Societies once served a good purpose, however the radical greens have taken them over and they are going well beyond the intent their original charters.
I was extremely distressed when I heard that Toyota donated money to these folks. After many of years of being a loyal Ford truck owner, I bought a 4Runner a couple of years ago to use on the beach. If the Audubon society has their way there will be no reason to own an off-road vehicle.

[J. D.]

For forty years I have avidly fished the outer banks of North Carolina, notably Hatteras island and Ocracoke and enjoyed four wheel drive access to the areas. I recently purchased my sixth 4x4 and it was not a Toyota. The pure and simple reason I did not even look at Toyotas was support given by Toyota to an environmental group that appears intent on erasing all access to the outer banks beaches by vehicles. The vast majority of fishermen (and women) I have met over these many years drive with respect for the beaches and wildlife. Of the four vehicles my wife and I now own (and the three my grown children own) only one is a Toyota. That one Toyota will be replaced this year and it will not be with a Toyota. You have succeded in aleinating this family completely!

[GF Brown]

My wife and I have been looking at the Toyota Prius as a replacement for her car. We had already picked one out when we found out about your donation to the Audubon Society. I told the dealer to wait that I may have changed my mind. If you continue to support a group that is trying to take away my right to enjoy my states seashore, I will look at another manufacturer. I refuse to support any corporation that has different views than mine. The Audubon Society does not care about the economy of the people on the Outer Banks. Most of them will loose thier income if they win thier fight to have the beaches closed. Maybe Toyota can donate millions of dollars each year to Dare county to help cover the lost income they have helped the Audubon Society destroy.

[Luke]

I concur with the aforementioned blogs entries concerning funding the A Society that is working to close the Hatteras Beaches. The science is not pier reviewed, the courts are out of control, and Toyota is helping to fund it. I was considering a 4 cyl 5 speed Tacoma for my next truck. Not Now or ever, and I am telling all my friends who surf fish about this. It may be a small amount of sales impact in the overall revenue stream granted - however as other folks said - I'll buy some other brand.

Luke

Good Link
http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/columns/story/1031608.html

[Bryan Callow]

As a younger person i feel that this will impact me more than others in the longrun. I have been fishing the banks for most of my life and only ask that you do dedicated research before donating such a large sum of money. Toyota is a great company but you just took a major hit on this one. Free the Banks! Thank you.

[Ronald & Cecile Saunders]

If Toyota made this donation out of ignorance of the actions of the Audobon Society then we are somewhat understanding. We would, however, note that even though the donation is earmarked for purposes other than legal actions against ORV use on the OBX, adversely affecting thousands of residents and visitors,that it will potentially enable the Society to spend more on this legal action. No good for us.

[Ronald & Cecile Saunders]

We will be spending weekend at RIR for NASCAR racing soon. It will be interesting to see how the conversation goes at the campground. Lot of us there also have places at the OBX or visit regularly. When Toyota entered NASCAR we said OK free country. Now we find ourselves pitted against them. Very Sad Indeed.

[Lenny of Linwood]

My brother and I have been going to Cape Hatteras with our many surfishing friends for 40+ years back when there were 4 major motels in Buxton. We all live around Phila.PA and make the trip many times a year. At least half of our group (15+) own Toyota suv's. You know one guy tells another how they love their truck and and pretty soon more of us are driving a Toyota. Years ago we were driving IH Scouts for the same reason. Well I just contacted all of our surfishing friends and to the person they all said the same thing,"NO MORE TOYOTA'S". Way to go all you SHIRTS at Toyota. The dummy(s) who came up with the idea of supporting a group of ECO-TORRIST like the Audubon society should be given their walking papers cause they just cost millions of $$$$$$$$

[Tim Potter]

Toyota, please take your money and donate it to something worth fighting for. This conservation group is seeking to destroy cultural heritage on the outerbanks of NC along with the economies of these small communities which base their livlihoods on people accessing beaches. A good percentage of them in Toyota 4 x 4s.. Your donation to the Audobon society if fueling thier fight against FREE and OPEN beach access here on the outerbanks. I am now embarrassed to even drive a Toyota in this region...I most definately will be selling this vehicle and going with Ford or Chevy from here on out. Driving a Toyota in this region of the state is now a disgrace and an embarrassment.

[Gerome Heath]

I'm excited and proud of the folks that have taken a stand on this issue. I applaud you. For the few folks that have posted on here stating their support of Toyota or that there is nothing wrong with closing a portion of the beach. Well I beg to differ with your opinion. Toyota has every right to spend their money as they see fit. However, I really feel they didn't have a full understanding of the effects of this donation. That is what they are learning now. I hope they resend the donation and choose a more level headed group that are more appreciable of donations and would use the money more responsibly to help the outer banks. As far as being ok to close a portion of the beach. Have you guys ever heard the saying "give them an inch and they will take a mile"? Well that's what would happen. Sure they say they will be happy to close a portion but if that is successfull then the fight will start over to close the remaining portion. What alot of people don't understand is that the vast majority of the targeted outer banks area is already prime undisturbed habitat for wildlife. Hopefully, Toyota will discontinue their association with Audubon and the pending lawsuit will have a positive result for the folks that enjoy the recreational activities of the outer banks. The outer banks of NC are full of history, it would be ashamed to loose that history due to such narrowminded idiots.

[W.D. Brand]

Your response:
So we say again: This donation will be used only to fund conservation projects, train environmental leaders and offer volunteer opportunities, not for lobbying or legal efforts.

We thought that you should know that.

- Mike Michels, Corporate Communications

All this does is free up 20 million bucks they might have spent on above projects and allow them to plow this money into taking away beach access. Please try to justify your donation. wdbrand.

[ed huff]

i m glad i owen a dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4x4 if i owened a toyota i would have to sell it for supporting
the people who are tring to take my past time away from kid ,wife and myself .im talking about fishing in the outerbanks of N.C.

[Buddy Christy]

Toyota is showing that they don't support the people that supports them. I have a Ford F-350 with 175000 miles. When I seen what happened. I will never have a Toyota. I will purchase other vehicle makes.With all that has happened. I will have another F-350.Toyota needs to look at what there money is being used for (ATTORNEY FEES). They need to open there eyes and see what is happening on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

[Insensitive]

For those that believe that closing 12.9 miles of beach is no big deal. The NPS and local counties have closed many miles of beaches in the past. Its time that the beach users take a stand and say no more closures. Its sad that Toyota picked the wrong side of the battle to be on. I had planned on building a beach/trail truck that was going to be a Toyota. I guess I will look at either Ford or Jeep. I would be ashamed to drive a Toyota on the beach now. The trickle down effect will be huge for Toyota. The entire OHV community is aware of what Toyota has done. In todays age the internet can keep a manufacturer honest.

[Geoff Beasley]

I would like to express my disgust in learning that Toyota has contributed $20 million dollars to the National Audubon Society and is pressuring its employees to volunteer for Audubon.

My family owns many Toyota vehicles, including a 1st-gen 4Runner, an FJ-60 Land Cruiser, a 3rd-gen 4x4 Pickup, a Camry, and a 3rd-gen MR2. I belong to two different Toyota-only 4x4 clubs, and several non-Toyota-specific 4x4 organizations. We have a long history as Toyota owners, and until I read this news story, we were also soon to buy an FJ Cruiser and a 4x4 Tacoma.

Everyone knows that the National Audubon Society supports limiting OHV use. The current situation on North Carolina's Outer Banks is a perfect example. With organizations such as Audubon actively working to lock the public out of public lands, where are Toyota 4x4 owners supposed to recreate with their vehicles?

If I can't use my Toyotas to drive to OHV areas, haul my camping equipment to the forest, tow my boat to a lake, or carry my ATV's/motorcycles to the desert, what reason would I have to buy another Toyota? With no opportunities to recreate on public lands, I should just buy a Smart car and stick to the city.

In stark contrast to Toyota, Hummer has made terrific contributions of money and volunteer time to organizations such as the Rubicon Trail Foundation to preserve public lands for public use, thus ensuring that their customers will have continued reason and incentive to buy Hummer brand vehicles.

So now I'm in a pickle: I love Toyota trucks and I am ready to buy a new vehicle. But as a 4x4 recreationist, can I justify purchasing from a company that has contributed TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS to an organization whose entire existence revolves around trying to lock me and my family out of public lands my tax dollars have paid to preserve for everyone's enjoyment? Or do I give up on my loyalty and show my support to a company who has worked actively to protect the environment and preserve its customers' access to public land by buying a Hummer H3 instead?

I'm sad to say that I think Toyota's actions to help lock me and my family out of public land outweighs my loyalty and respect for their vehicles. I sincerely hope that Toyota can admit their mistake and make an honest effort to compensate the public for the damage they created by making some contributions to groups of REAL conservationists: for instance, those in Friends of the Rubicon, Friends of Eldorado National Forest, Rubicon Trail Foundation, etc. who spend their weekends working side-by-side with the Forest Service on conservation projects that actually help the environment and ensure trails on which Toyota 4x4's can drive remain open - rather than just throwing money at an anti-access organization as a "green" publicity stunt.

[K Hogan]

I have purchased a 94 toyota king cab-used, a 99 tacoma king cab- new, a 2002 tundra-new, and a 2007 4runner-new for my family in the past 10 years and I can't believe toyota donated that money to a group that wants to outlaw beach driving in my town. I have lived on the coast of North Carolina since 1989 and I drive on the beach regularly.
My tundra has 108,000 miles and when I replace it, I WON'T consider a Toyota!!!!!! THAT 20 MILLION DOLLARS COULD HAVE BEEN PUT TO BETTER USE BY A THIRD GRADER. I WILL NEVER BY TOYOTA AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Don Taylor]

As an avid outdoorsman I've owned Toyota Trucks in the past and have found them to be reliable vehicles. However, I recently found out that the Toyota Corporation has decided to offer $20 million of support to the National Audubon Society, an organization which is currently trying to restrict access to ORV's on the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

My family has traveled from East Tennessee to the Outer Banks for the past 25 years to enjoy fishing and solitude. It saddens me to think of the real possibity that those beaches may soon be inaccessible to share this experience with my children.

I make three trips to Cape Hatteras each year, and at least forty of my friends fish there each year as well. I've shared the information about Toyota's donation to the Audubon Society with all of them. They are all avid sportsmen, and I can assure you from this point forward, none of them will ever own a Toyota product ever again. Toyota's decision to endorse this organization is one that cannot ever be forgotten. NO MORE TOYOTAS EVER!