Florida Forever Becomes Law

Florida Forever has been renewed through 2020.

Florida Senate bill 542 was signed into law Monday night, which renews the Florida Forever program's commitment to preserving natural lands in the state. Florida Forever is to receive $300 million a year for the acquisition of lands deemed as important ecological assets. The division of funds as now allocated by the state are as follows:

Department of Environmental Protection:

- Division of State Lands $105 Million

- Division of Recreation and Parks $4.5 million

- Rails to Trails $4.5 million

- Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program ( FRDAP ) $6 million

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission $4.5 million

Department of Community Affairs - Florida Communities Trust $66 million

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Forestry $4.5 million

Water Management Districts $105 million:

- Northwest Florida $7,875,000

- Suwannee River $7,875,000

- Southwest Florida $26,250,000

- St. Johns River $26,250,000

- South Florida $36,750,000

View the Current Florida Forever Land Acquisition Projects

This is an important step for the Florida Forever Program. Thank you to all who helped to ensure Florida will continue to preserve open natural spaces in our state.

Swamped!

I have litterally been swamped with work and have regretably not had enough time to devote to contributing to this blog. For all those who visit I apologize. Please take advantage of the links I have provided, as a guide to take you on a journey to some of the sites which will help keep you informed about what is going on with Florida Wetlands.

EPA Partners with Destruction of Florida Wetlands

Overruling its own specialists, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is opening the door to a new wave of mega-developments that will sharply erode Florida’s already declining water quality, according to agency documents released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). In the arrangement, EPA has agreed to overlook warnings of more toxic algae outbreaks, growing saltwater intrusion and spreading contamination of the state’s fragile groundwater.

View PEER Article

Everglades Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary

When Harry S. Truman Dedicated the Everglades National park as Part of the US Park System in 1947 few could have imagined that this River of Grass would be the scene for so much future controversy. The Everglades are now at a turning point and we are beginning to reappreciate and understand its importance in Florida and the World. There are still forces working against the preservation of this majestic landscape such as invasive species, encroachment, and backroom politics. Celebrate the history and future of one of the worlds greatest wonders on its 60th Anniversary. To learn more about the Everglades visit:
http://www.nps.gov/ever/
http://www.evergladesplan.org/index.aspx
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ern/default2.htm

Sarasota Aproves $51 Million Land Boondoggle

Sarasota County Commission approved one of the largest land acquisitions in their history, adding 12,376 acres of land to the already extensive Myakka River State Park corridor. But yet again our state has seen a County Commission buy land rights while allowing the land owners to preserve ranching rights. Large land owners have been continually feeding off county coffers across the state by unduly using their influence over commissions to arrange land buy outs while either preserving ownership through easements or continued agricultural rights.

The deal will allow the owners, the Carlton family, to retain cattle and horse operations, grass, sod, energy crops, maintenance of a hunting camp and five areas totaling 325 acres that may be converted to improved pasture. The family also will have the right to construct seven single-family residences, each on five acres of land. The Carltons also retain their right to sell their property off in seven increments of a minimum of 1,000 acres each. The county has first refusal of the buyouts. Will the residents trust them with this kind of funds in the future. How many times will the public be willing to pay for the same thing?

This deal is reminiscent of property easement buyouts in Indian River County where Commissioners spent millions to purchase land which the public has no access to. Running cattle and growing sod which is an exotic invasive species is not preserving sensitive lands. How much has the Carlton family donated to County Commissioner elections? You can be sure they will donate some of their newly acquired income.

Everglades Restoration's New Enemy, The Mainstream Press?

Speculation and doubts continue to rise concerning the future of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Despite that Congress has approved $1.8 billion for the plan the funds still must be allocated. Finding the money for restoration projects from a cash strapped federal government in a time of war may be more difficult than overriding a veto from a lame duck President. The press has abounded these last few days with disheartening articles on the future of CERP. One is left to wonder if this is a desperate attempt to derail the plan by unduly influencing the press. The funds for this project have been approved and those who support the restoration of the Everglades will not be silenced or dissuaded. We must continue to move forward with each step of the Plan. The health and future of the entire state of Florida depends on the health and future of the Everglades. Not only are the Everglades an international treasure but, the source of life for many who live in this state. Stay informed and active on this issue and inform your local, state, and federal officials on your support for CERP.

I will not link to any sites on these articles, search and inform yourself. I would not support those who would act as a mouthpiece, for those who wish to subvert the will of the people.

SFWMD Launches New Site to Save Water in Florida

A new tool is available to South Floridians to help them save water. The South Florida Water Management District has created a new website available at www.savewaterfl.com. The site provides ideas and knowledge for individuals, businesses, agriculture, and government about ways to conserve water. This year's drought has affected our state greatly and the SFWMD is anticipating increase water shortages this coming year. They are set to begin a new round of increased water restrictions which will effect everyone who lives in South Florida. Check out this site to see how you can educate yourself of these restrictions and how you may cut your consumption.