Editorial: 'Restoration reserve' another reason for Florida to acquire U.S. Sugar land
TC Palm
March 11, 2009
Imagine an Everglades ecosystem that is not just environmentally friendly, but also user-friendly.
This is the vision being articulated by Karl Wickstrom.
It's a concept that merits far greater attention than it has received.
Wickstrom is the founder of Stuart-based Florida Sportsman magazine and one of the leaders of the Rivers Coalition, a group formed to protect and restore the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Like the vast majority of the Florida's environmentalists, Wickstrom quickly threw his support behind the state's proposed purchase of 180,000 acres of U.S. Sugar land in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
In December, the governing board of the South Florida Water Management District voted 4-3 to approve the $1.34 billion acquisition. Under the agreement, U.S. Sugar would lease back the land from the state — and continue farming it — for seven years.
State officials currently are grappling with several issues, including the cost of the acquisition and pollution standards while the land remains under U.S. Sugar's control.
The environmental benefits of re-establishing a natural flow-way from Lake Okeechobee through the River of Grass to Florida Bay — with the U.S. Sugar deal being part of the plan — would be enormous. These include:
• Saving the estuaries from destructive discharges.
• Eliminating hundreds of tons of phosphorous fertilizer pollution.
• Recharging ground-water systems.
Wickstrom has elevated the discussion by giving state officials another compelling reason to consummate the deal. He has proposed a "restoration reserve" — a sprawling, natural resource that "would attract birders from throughout our country and from all over the world. It would have some of the best kayaking trails in Florida, as well as some of the best freshwater fishing."
The infrastructure to support these recreational activities — lodging, restaurants, guides, kayak rentals and so on — would generate revenues for the reserve. It also would provide much-needed employment in local communities that will be adversely affected by the loss of jobs associated with the sugar industry.
A recent poll conducted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that two-thirds — 66 percent — of 600 respondents support the proposed deal with U.S. Sugar.
State officials need to make sure they obtain the land necessary to make the flow-way possible.
In addition to the enormous environmental benefits, Florida has the opportunity to create a world-class natural resource that will be "experienced" by present and future generations.
Showing posts with label SFWMD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SFWMD. Show all posts
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Majority of Floridians Support SFWMD Purchase of US Sugar Property for Everglades Restoration
FLORIDA CHAMBER POLL: VOTERS SUPPORT CRIST, EVERGLADES LAND PURCHASE
Survey Shows Floridians Favor Cutting Services Over Raising Taxes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 2, 2009) – A new poll released today by the Florida Chamber of Commerce shows Governor Charlie Crist with a 70% approval rating and a 21% disapproval. In addition, the poll shows that 66% of Floridians support the South Florida Water Management district’s purchase of 182,000 acres of land for Everglades restoration.
The survey was conducted February 23 – 24, 2009 by Fabrizio, McLaughlin and Associates. Conducted for the Florida Chamber of Commerce as part of periodic statewide research, the survey of 600 likely Florida voters has a margin of error of +/-4% at the 95% confidence interval.
“Though we are continuing to see the overall mood of the electorate souring, Governor Crist’s popularity remains high,” said Marian Johnson, vice president of Political Affairs, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Additionally, Florida’s voters see the need for lower taxes and reduced government spending as we move forward during difficult economic times. Over two-third of Florida voters see the purchase of land for Everglades restoration as a wise investment.”
Question: As you may know, the South Florida Water Management District announced an agreement to purchase 182,000 acres of mostly sugar cane fields surrounding Lake Okeechobee with the purpose of restoring the historical everglades and insuring the future of the state’s water supply. The purchase price is $1.34 (one point three four) billion dollars and will be paid for without raising taxes. Based on what you know, do you favor or oppose the deal?
Favor: 66%
Oppose: 19%
Undecided: 15%
Respondent selection was random within predetermined geographic units throughout the state to reflect actual voter turnout from past elections. Respondents were screened for likelihood of voting in the 2010 November election. Interviews were conducted by professional telemarketers.
###
Established in 1916 as Florida’s first statewide business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, representing more than 139,000 employers. The Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to the continued improvement of Florida’s business environment. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com.
Survey Shows Floridians Favor Cutting Services Over Raising Taxes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 2, 2009) – A new poll released today by the Florida Chamber of Commerce shows Governor Charlie Crist with a 70% approval rating and a 21% disapproval. In addition, the poll shows that 66% of Floridians support the South Florida Water Management district’s purchase of 182,000 acres of land for Everglades restoration.
The survey was conducted February 23 – 24, 2009 by Fabrizio, McLaughlin and Associates. Conducted for the Florida Chamber of Commerce as part of periodic statewide research, the survey of 600 likely Florida voters has a margin of error of +/-4% at the 95% confidence interval.
“Though we are continuing to see the overall mood of the electorate souring, Governor Crist’s popularity remains high,” said Marian Johnson, vice president of Political Affairs, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Additionally, Florida’s voters see the need for lower taxes and reduced government spending as we move forward during difficult economic times. Over two-third of Florida voters see the purchase of land for Everglades restoration as a wise investment.”
Question: As you may know, the South Florida Water Management District announced an agreement to purchase 182,000 acres of mostly sugar cane fields surrounding Lake Okeechobee with the purpose of restoring the historical everglades and insuring the future of the state’s water supply. The purchase price is $1.34 (one point three four) billion dollars and will be paid for without raising taxes. Based on what you know, do you favor or oppose the deal?
Favor: 66%
Oppose: 19%
Undecided: 15%
Respondent selection was random within predetermined geographic units throughout the state to reflect actual voter turnout from past elections. Respondents were screened for likelihood of voting in the 2010 November election. Interviews were conducted by professional telemarketers.
###
Established in 1916 as Florida’s first statewide business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, representing more than 139,000 employers. The Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to the continued improvement of Florida’s business environment. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
