SIERRA'S 30X30 PLAN FINDS MOMENTUM - Sierra Club
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INSIDE:
LEGISLATIVE
REVIEW
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF SIERRA CLUB
SUMMER 2021
florida.sierraclub.org
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Photos/Marcia Biggs
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Circle B Bar Reserve, Polk County, FL
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SIERRA’S 30X30 PLAN FINDS MOMENTUM
One year ago, we announced goal.
in the Pelican the kick-off of a So we were encouraged that on
national Sierra Club campaign May 6, President Biden released a 24-
called 30x30: Protecting Lands page report, wherein a quartet of
to Fight Climate Crisis. Scien- federal agencies devised a broad out-
tists tell us that to halt mass ex- line to achieve Biden's vision of pro-
tinction and solve the climate tecting 30 percent of US lands and
crisis we need to not only pre- waters by 2030.
serve existing wild spaces, but
With the announcement, the White
increase the conservation of
House and the federal agencies tasked with over-
lands across the country — from large wild areas
seeing the 30x30 initiative — now called the
to neighborhood parks and local rivers and
“America the Beautiful” campaign — are on their
streams. The goal of this campaign: In the United
way to ensuring an environmental legacy that most
States, we must protect about 30 percent of lands
conservation groups hope will last for generations.
and waters by 2030. So far, 50 countries and 70
US mayors have committed to Sierra Club’s 30x30 (Continued on page 3)
1
Staff News Guadarrama, a veteran of multiple
successful campaigns, including Mayor
We wish a fond farewell to two Hancock’s campaign in Denver, Mayor
longtime Florida Sierra Club staffers Mendenhall’s campaign in Salt Lake
who recently departed the organization. City, and President Biden’s campaign in
Phil Compton devoted 21 years as Wayne County, Michigan.
powerhouse organizer, with the last 5
Luigi will bring both an organizing
years committed to Sierra’s Ready for and strategic lens to our political work.
100% Clean Energy campaign. He trav- Everyone across the nation is well aware
eled across the state, working hard with of the political climate we have here in
volunteers, allies and lobbying city and Florida, and Luigi will be working with
county government officials to support our volunteers and communities to
clean, green energy. build a powerful grassroots movement
Phil worked tirelessly promoting to elect pro-environment candidates up
electric vehicles, particularly the transi- and down the ballot. Additionally, as a
tion of cities and counties to electric fluent Spanish speaker, Luigi will be
buses. A well-known Tampa Bay Bucca- Phil Compton has volunteered nearly 30 working to elevate our political efforts
neers fan, Phil is legendary for dressing years to Sierra Club’s recycling cam- with Spanish-speaking voters. Luigi will
as a pirate at each game and spearhead- paign at Tampa Bay Bucs games. be living and working out of Orlando.
ing a volunteer stadium recycling team You can reach him at
for Tampa Bay Sierra Club. He was volunteers, fielding questions and calls luigi.guadarrama@sierraclub.org.
presented with a Bucs Super Bowl t- in her calm, professional demeanor. Gonzalo Valdes has been promot-
shirt as a parting gift. Thank you, Phil, Linda did yeoman’s work, from han- ed to Beyond Coal Organizing Manager
for your dedication and service!! dling paperwork and invoices to dealing for the Florida Chapter. Walter Smith
Longtime office manager and ad- with innumerable requests for database will be working with him as Beyond
ministrative assistant in our Chapter lists and much more. Thank you, Linda! Coal Organizing Representative. Both
office in St. Petersburg, Linda Dem- Announcements are based in Tampa.
ler, was our “Angel of Mercy” for near- Deb Foote is Acting Chapter Direc-
A new Chapter Political Director
ly two decades, never wavering in her
has been announced by Acting Chapter tor while a search for a new Chapter
strong support of staff, groups, and
Director Deb Foote. Welcome to Luigi Director is underway.
COVID-19 UPDATE The Pelican, Vol. 54 No. 2
Sierra Club remains committed to the safety of our mem- Marcia Biggs, Editor
bers, volunteers, staff and the public. While some meetings
The Pelican is published by Sierra Club Florida and mailed
and events will continue to be held virtually, groups will slow- to Sierra Club Florida members. Annual membership dues
ly roll-out in-person programs and outings this summer. include the Pelican newsletter. Address all inquiries to Sier-
Many of our groups are using social media such as Face- ra Club Florida, 1990 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, Flori-
da 33712 or e-mail marcia.biggs@florida.sierraclub.org
book and Meetup with great success, and sending news via e-
mail. We highly encourage members to find their groups on
social media to remain engaged and updated on current Sierra Club Florida Acting Director
events. Make sure we have your e-mail on file, too. Deborah Foote
Our state offices remain closed for now, with staff work-
ing from home under mandate from National Sierra Club Sierra Club Florida Executive Committee
which is constantly evaluating the safety of opening offices Steve Wonderly, Volusia Flagler Group, Chair
and events. Certain administrative functions can be tak- Debbie Matthews, Miami Group
James Scott, Suncoast Group
en care of through our national Member Care team by
Craig Diamond, Big Bend Group
calling (415) 977-5653 or logging onto our new Member Cen-
Grant Gelhardt, Big Bend Group
ter platform, My Account, at myaccount.sierraclub.org Once
Sheila Erdley, Turtle Coast Group
you've successfully signed in, you will be able to change your
Leighanne Boone, Big Bend Group
address, update your e-mail and phone, sign petitions, and
find contact information.
Thank you for your continued patience. florida.sierraclub.org
2
IRL Manatee Deaths Drastically Rise Due to Seagrass Loss
By Sandi Schwartz
Loxahatchee Group Conservation Chair
Four years ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service an-
nounced that manatees, which had been on the endangered list
for many years, were doing much better. In fact, in 2017 the
manatee was down-listed from an endangered species to a
threatened species.
But now, manatees swimming in Florida’s waterways are
dying at an alarming rate. Nearly 700 manatees have perished
throughout the state in the last few months. That is almost three
times the five-year average of 146 deaths in the period between
January 1 through March 5, according to the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Why is this happening?
Although boat strikes continue to threaten manatees, ex- Photo/Marcia Biggs
perts believe that the main reason so many manatees are dying
this year is mainly due to starvation because of a lack of Unfortunately, this is an issue happening around the state.
seagrass. Manatees rely on seagrass as their main food source; At last count, there have been 32 manatee deaths in Palm Beach
an adult manatee typically eats over 100 pounds of seagrass each County, 51 in Broward County, and 15 in Miami-Dade County.
day. Without their primary food source, manatees are literally The largest number of manatee deaths have occurred just
starving to death. north of my region in Brevard County in the Indian River La-
Seagrass depends on sunlight to flourish. When there are goon. Much of the seagrass has been destroyed in that area. The
massive and long-standing algal blooms, the sunlight cannot Florida Oceanographic Society has been working to grow more
penetrate to the bottom to support the seagrass. Sewage and seagrass, but the process has not been fast enough to save the
fertilizers filled with harmful chemicals like nitrogen and manatees this season.
glyphosate are ending up in the local waterways and causing
What can you do? Avoid using fertilizers. Rain events
algal blooms, destroying the seagrass. The nutrients originate
cause them to run off into water bodies, adding dangerous
from people’s lawns, while the sewage comes from spills and
amounts of harmful nitrogen and causing algal blooms.
leaking septic tanks.
30x30 Plan backbone of the report, and most of them state, and local governments have an ex-
(Continued from page 1) lean on public participation to steer the traordinary range of conservation powers
way. Additionally, the report highlights — from the executive reach of the presi-
The report offers a measure of clarity the need to honor the sovereignty of Na- dent to the zoning authorities of city
— If not a complete road map — for tive American nations, create conserva- councils — and we’ll need to utilize the
how to reach the 30x30 goal. To get tion jobs, and respect private property. whole range of protections available to
there, stakeholders from all aspects of The Center for American Progress meet our goals.
land use are asked to pitch in. No longer estimates that protected areas account for How can you lend support? Work
is conservation the exclusive realm of 12 percent of US lands and 26 percent of with your Sierra Club group and local
federally protected lands. US territorial waters, and most of that is and state government officials to take
Instead, the very definition of con- public lands. Expanding or creating new action for 30x30 including:
served land is being adjusted to incorpo- national wildlife refuges, national parks, • Implementing state-funded open
rate farms, working landscapes, city parks, and wilderness areas won’t be possible space programs.
and practically any natural environment without congressional action.
• Managing state lands to offset cli-
that stores carbon, provides wildlife habi- Conserving 30 percent of US lands mate pollution.
tat, or serves as green space for communi- and waters by 2030 will require creative
ties lacking access to nature. • Designation of wildlife corridors
advocacy strategies and an energized
that safeguard lands within them.
The administration’s plans are grassroots movement. But the policies
grounded in community-led conservation. that need to be implemented are neither • Creation and expansion of state and
A set of guiding principles serve as the complicated nor entirely new. Federal, local parks.
3
Environment, Democracy Snubbed
The 2021 State Legislative Session Should Cause Concern for Florida’s Future
By JESSICA LEWIS ority to pass a trio of bills aimed at fund-
LEGISLATOR SCORECARDS
Editor’s Note: Sierra Club Florida was one of ing some aspects of sea level rise adapta-
How did your local legislators vote? tion. This is movement in the right direc-
very few environmental organizations with a daily
presence in the State Capitol during session this Sierra Club tracked important bills on tion, but these bills fail to address the
year due to pandemic restrictions. Jessica Lewis issues of conservation, environment, causes of sea level rise (climate change via
joined Acting Chapter Director Deb Foote and clean energy, growth and development, greenhouse gas emissions) or protect
lobbyist Dave Cullen to represent Sierra Club and home rule and how each legislator those most vulnerable to its impacts.
interests and filed this report. voted. This “scorecard” will be availa- The programs funded in these bills
ble in mid-June so you can find out are essentially grant programs for com-
munities and homeowners. These are not
A
who got thumbs up and thumbs down
nother Florida legislative session so much pro-environment bills as pro-
by going to our web site at
has come and gone, and the next property bills. One bill permanently re-
www.sierraclub.org/florida/
one begins in just a few short moves funding from the Sadowski Trust
legislative-lobbying
months. Fund which was created for the express
It was an especially arduous session purpose of increasing affordable housing.
for environmentalists and progressives There were several small wins for the Forcing sea level rise adaptation to com-
alike. While there are bright spots worth environment this year, from bicycle/ pete with affordable housing is a false
recognizing, it should be noted that these pedestrian safety and urban agriculture, to choice; we can and must do both.
victories do not outweigh the environ- recognition for the Florida Wildlife Corri- There aren’t enough taxpayer dollars
mental and democratic losses that Florida dor and increased funding for land con- to hurricane-proof Florida. We cannot
suffered this session. Not even close. servation and state parks (thanks in part “adapt” our way out of climate change.
Here’s a look at what went down and to federal boosts in funding). We must mitigate the causes by reducing
what to expect in the future. emissions of greenhouse gasses.
First and foremost: Thank you! Vol- Greenwashing
unteers across the state made calls, sent “Greenwashing” is deceptive market- Anti-Clean Energy Preemptions
emails, signed petitions, wrote letters to ing used to persuade the public into
There are multiple pieces of anti-clean
the editor, attended meetings with state thinking something is environmentally
energy legislation being passed around in
representatives, and shared information friendly when it is not. Gov. DeSantis has
conservative playbooks across the coun-
on social media. You are what makes our long touted his supposed environmental
try, and some of them are unfortunately
organization great! leanings, all while doing very little to actu-
poised to become law in Florida.
ally protect, preserve, and expand Flori-
One bill will prohibit mandatory ben-
Victories da’s natural resources. The conservative-
eficial electrification requirements, ham-
There was important movement on led legislature worked hard to help him
stringing local governments’ ability to
the dangerous toll road project known as further greenwash his image. This is a
implement and achieve clean energy tran-
M-CORES. The legislation that passed trend that will likely continue in Florida,
sition targets, such as the popular Ready
eliminates the M-CORES program, but where elected officials recognize that
for 100 commitments made by 11 cities
not all the roads included in the program. voters truly care about the environment.
in Florida. Another bill prohibits gas sta-
This is not a repeal of all three Roads to We now have state-recognized
tion bans, making the transition to elec-
Ruin, but it is meaningful progress, espe- Springs Protection Awareness Month and
tric vehicles more difficult. Yet another
cially given it originally passed with nearly Oceans Day, yet the legislature failed to
bill rebrands biogas as a “renewable ener-
unanimous support. The fight for sustain- pass even one recommendation from
gy” so that corporate utilities can build
able transportation alternatives continues. Gov. DeSantis’s own Blue Green Algae
out natural gas infrastructure while mak-
Initiatives including electric vehicle Task Force, the entity created to work on
ing even more money from ratepayers
infrastructure, solar energy for schools, the perpetual problem of harmful algal
through cost recovery. That “renewable
and limitations on cigarette smoking on blooms.
natural gas bill” includes preemption over
beaches and in parks moved forward but Last year for the first time we saw industrial solar power plant siting that
didn’t make it across the finish line. These express acknowledgement of sea level rise removes local control over placement of
will hopefully return in the coming 2022 in Florida legislation. This year House these potentially massive power plants.
session and become law. Speaker Chris Sprowls made it a top pri- (Read more on this in the Transparency
4
section below.)
STAY INFORMED
What’s Next ...
It would be one thing if our state’s
For legislative updates and re- Bills that passed both chambers of
leadership were putting these energy
sources, go to the Florida legislature can be sent
preemptions in place while enacting
www.sierraclub.org/florida/ to Gov. DeSantis anytime over the
strong, greenhouse gas reduction strate-
legislative-lobbying where you next few months. He then has 3
gies statewide. But they’re not. Florida’s can sign up for action alerts and options. He has 15 days to veto
leaders are working hard to prevent local timely updates (“Subscribe to the the bill, sign it into law, or allow it
communities from tackling climate Florida Report”), and become to become law without his signa-
change, while refusing to do it them- familiar with legislative priorities. ture. Bills are typically sent at op-
selves.
portune times during the summer
These attacks on local solutions to
to either highlight or obfuscate
climate change show how seriously the oil One reason the conservative leaders
their impact. 248 bills of statewide
and gas industry views local action as a of the state may have wanted to reduce
impact and 24 local bills passed
threat to their bottom lines. It’s simulta- our ability to poke around could be the
this year, and 33 have already be-
neously a point of pride for clean energy impressively undemocratic methods they
come law as of this writing.
activists across our state and another hur- used to ram bad bills through the process.
dle that we must overcome. • The industrial solar power plant sit- ***
ing preemption mentioned above Gov. DeSantis has an opportunity
Transparency and Democracy was amended onto an unrelated bill to veto the remaining anti-
Participating in the legislative process in it committee. That means this environment and anti-democracy
has never been easy or accessible for preemption should have died in the bills if he truly wants to claim the
most Floridians, but Gov. DeSantis, Pres- legislative process, but elected lead- “Teddy Roosevelt conservative”
ident Simpson, and Speaker Sprowls put ers worked together in back rooms moniker, though his rapid signing
even larger barriers in place this year, all to push this language through. of the Right to Harm Act and the
under the guise of pandemic protocols. • A seaport preemption bill that over- Voter Suppression bill do not bode
They drastically reduced the number turns a wildly successful pro- well.
of people able to speak in public com- environment ballot initiative out of
ment, forced average people to navigate a ***
Key West died in the process but
cumbersome speaker registration process, was brought back to life, like a zom- July is an ideal time to set up
and refused entry to our state capitol to bie bent on destroying smart envi- meetings with your state represent-
those without identification. Committee ronmental incentives, by being atives. The 2022 legislative session
leadership such as Senate Rules Commit- amended onto a general transporta- begins with pre-session committee
tee Chair Kathleen Passidomo and House tion bill. meetings this September then the
Justice Committee Chair Daniel Perez • Representative Ingoglia filed an 60-day session convenes on Janu-
followed suit by frequently limiting public enormous amendment to the Voter ary 11 and runs through March 11.
comment to 1 minute, or even 30 sec- Suppression Bill at 1:33 am to frus- ***
onds, per speaker. trate attempts at reducing the im-
While these restrictions were effec- Every legislative session brings
mensely harmful impact of the bill.
tively boxing Floridians out from partici- lessons and opportunities and this
***
pating at the capitol, Gov. DeSantis con- year was no different. We will learn
tinued to put workers and high risk Flo- from this year’s successes and fail-
These are the actions of a state con-
ridians at risk by opening the entire state. ures, and adjust accordingly to
trolled by a single party. Let us not forget
The Governor’s mansion, however, become an even more effective
the actions from this session. Legislators
stayed closed to the public. Then, the advocacy organization for the sake
are typically on better behavior when an
very week after the legislative session of our air, land, water, health, and
election is approaching, hoping that Flo-
concluded, the entire capitol was opened democracy.
ridians will forget wrongdoings from the
up and all so-called pandemic restrictions previous year. We can and must hold We welcome your participation as
were lifted. them accountable. we move forward. Contact Chap-
Even without detailing the egregious We continue to push forward with ter Political Chair Dave Harbeitner
attacks on voter participation and first your help. Let’s take these opportunities at daveh@suncoastsierra.org to
amendment rights via the Florida Voter learn how you can become in-
to embrace new ways of operating, fight
Suppression Bill and the anti-protest bill,
the good fight, and explore, enjoy, and volved in your region.
one might justly see these barriers as an
protect the Sunshine State as a united
attempt to end public participation in our
force for good.
state’s democracy entirely.
5
Feeling is Mutual When Helping Those in Need
By SARAH YOUNGER ery and add it to this network.
Sierra Florida EIJ Committee Principles for an Equitable and Effec-
Florida is no stranger to disaster and tive Crisis Response - Appropedia: The
when it strikes, people will want to help. Sustainability Wiki developed by many
But when it comes to helping a commu- experienced in disaster response to pro-
nity in crisis not every response is timely mote successful outcomes.
or even appropriate. Principles of mutual aid include:
Well-intentioned efforts can often Ask and Listen
waste resources if the response to a dis- We support those who most directly
aster is not grounded in accountable experience the impacts of crisis, and we
relationships with those experiencing the act in response to their expressed needs.
crisis and, in some cases, they can even Distribute Power
deepen the trauma experienced by survi- We promote strategies that effective-
vors. ly distribute information, resources, and
With climate change exacerbating decision-making ability, so that people
storm conditions, it is no longer just can most effectively adapt to their local
inconvenience faced by the general pop- circumstances.
ulace, it is also an environmental justice Collaborate Strategically
issue with marginalized communities We work with institutions, to the
experiencing life-threatening conditions extent that such work is in service of our
as evacuation is often not an option. goals of equity and justice.
It is important to our mission at political participation and changing polit- Seek Appropriate Solutions
Sierra Club that our communities ical conditions. The website bigdoorbri- We understand that problem solving
(especially those most at risk) can find gade.com/ shares information on mutual is an ongoing process requiring varied
the resources they need to survive and aid that goes beyond disaster response to skills — and while we identify common
thrive this upcoming hurricane season. assisting in social justice, immigration, patterns, every situation is unique.
With COVID-19 we discovered that and support for incarcerated people and Use Appropriate Technology
our health is also dependent on other their families. We prefer tools that are simple, ac-
people’s health, and we can literally save As we prepare for this hurricane sea- cessible, freely usable, and well-
each other’s lives. Mutual aid is a practice son, the Sierra Florida Chapter’s Equity, documented.
that emphasizes solidarity rather than Justice, and Inclusion (EIJ) Committee is
charity. Mutual aid allows us to respond encouraging local groups and members The Sierra Florida Chapter EIJ
where we can make the most impact — of Sierra Club throughout Florida to Committee is a volunteer-led group
locally. assist their communities by locating, sup- working on issues of environmental and
Mutual aid efforts are founded on the porting, and promoting mutual aid pro- social justice. We welcome your partici-
understanding that it is the system, not jects. Find local efforts that need help at pation and your comments and ideas
the people suffering under it, that creates www.mutualaidhub.org/ Consider start- pertaining to issues in your community.
poverty, crisis, and vulnerability. There- ing a project in your neighborhood to Contact us at
fore, mutual aid projects also include address food insecurity or disaster recov- justice@florida.sierraclub.org
NEWS BRIEFS electric utilities), our team, supported by tions.” She spoke on Climate Change,
Sierra Club Atlantic Canada Chapter in Key Deer & Resilience. Sierra Club is one
On May 20, Beyond Coal Organizing
Nova Scotia, was not allowed access to of numerous environmental and wildlife
Manager Gonzalo Valdes led a team from
the meeting. organizations supporting the call for a
Tampa Bay in their virtual participation in
*** National Biodiversity Strategy that would
the annual shareholders meeting held by
include strengthening the Endangered
Emera, to demand that its subsidiaries, On May 21, Sierra Everglades Organiz- Species Act to help prevent the extinction
Tampa Electric Company (TECO) and ing Representative Diana Umpierre par- of species like the Florida Key Deer that
Nova Scotia Power, abandon their plans ticipated in a congressional briefing enti-
are vulnerable to the impacts of human-
to continue burning coal at its power tled “The Endangered Species Act: Its induced climate changes, such as rising
plants. As shareholders (customers of the Successes and Role in Stopping Extinc-
seas, storms and temperatures.
6
Big Sugar Gets What Big Sugar Wants, Again
By PATRICK FERGUSON
Stop Sugar Field Burning Campaign
Since launching the Stop Pre-Harvest
Sugar Field Burning Campaign in 2015, the
Sierra Club has worked with local activ-
ists in and around the Everglades Agri-
cultural Area to promote the end of the
outdated, toxic practice and to challenge
the status quo narrative provided by the
sugar industry.
The “Right to Farm (Harm) Act”
was signed into law by Gov. DeSantis on
April 29. Florida Sierra Club’s Stop The
Burn-Go Green Harvest Campaign lead-
ership team responded as follows:
“Gov. DeSantis showed his true col- Photo/Patrick Ferguson
ors today when he sided with Big Sugar
who parroted Big Sugar misinformation. economic opportunity, would be high-
and signed SB 88 into law. But we fight
A groundswell of calls and emails, lights of her tenure and this recent fight
on. The Stop the Burn-Go Green Har- excellent investigative reporting, and the against SB 88 would not have been nec-
vest movement has only grown stronger bold advocacy by campaign leaders and essary. Instead of fighting against the
as the insidiousness of Big Sugar’s lies allied lawmakers made clear a very in- denial of rights to use the courts to seek
and propaganda have been laid bare in convenient truth: This bill was never justice for their families, residents in the
the past few months. Community leaders about protecting small farmers, but ra- Glades could have been enjoying the job
in the Glades will continue to promote ther was always about increasing legal creation provided by the use of the trash
green harvesting of sugar cane – the
protections for the toxic, outdated, un- collected (instead of burned) via green
only solution that is a win for the Glades
necessary, and racist practice of pre- harvesting such as mulch, electricity,
people, the environment, and the sugar harvest sugar field burning. Pre-harvest biofuels, biochar, tree-free paper prod-
industry in the long term.” sugar field burning would have contin- ucts, cattle feed, and disintegrant for
Despite the ultimate outcome, the ued even if the bill had failed to pass. medicine. And yet, Commissioner Fried
fight against the bill provided new op- As such, our campaign directed continues to allow Big Sugar’s harvest of
portunities for us. Glades community towards changing the existing discrimi- shame in the Glades.
Stop The Burn Go Green Campaign natory burn rules overseen by Agricul- Now we build upon the increased
leaders Sister Laura Cavanaugh and for-
tural Commissioner Nikki Fried is para- public awareness and momentum our
mer Mayor of Pahokee Colin Walkes
mount. We have been demanding she campaign garnered through the legisla-
traveled to Tallahassee to speak truth to institute a protective 27-30 mile burn tive session to get to the point at which
power. Thanks to Representatives Anna free-buffer zone since she took office. Commissioner Fried, and the sugar in-
Eskamani and Omari Hardy who If she had heeded our campaign dustry, will no longer be able to continue
emerged as true champions of environ- calls, improvements to public health in with the status quo.
mental justice by lifting up local activist the Glades, environmental health (water Stay tuned for future updates and
voices and running circles around those and air), the very soils of the EAA, and calls to action!
New Preserve is Coming in raising $10 million to purchase the million purchase the most miraculous
estate. The new Gladys Douglas Pre- synergy between public officials and
The Suncoast Group claimed a ma- serve was officially purchased by the City community activism she had seen in her
jor victory after a 9-month effort by a of Dunedin on May 10. City officials are 25 years in elected office. Suncoast Sier-
coalition of groups, local activists, city working to secure management rights to ra Excom member Nichole Matthheus
and county commissions, to save a 44- the adjacent 55-acre lake, owned by the was a tour de force during the campaign,
acre green space in the heart of congest- Southwest Florida Water Management rallying supporters, working with fund-
ed Pinellas County from development. District, to create a nearly 100-acre park. raising and public officials, and speaking
A fundraising campaign to save the Pinellas County Commissioner Ka- to media.
Douglas Hackworth Property succeeded ren Seel called the finalization of the $10 Congratulations, Suncoast Group!
7
Sierra Club Florida NON-PROFIT ORG
200 W. College Ave. #314 U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Tallahassee, FL 32301
TAMPA FL
Permit No. 2397
Moving?
Email new address to
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Development, Hunting Threaten Panther Habitat
The Collier County Board of Com- ***
missioners is considering approval of two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has
new developments of approximately proposed opening the Florida Panther
1,000 acres each in the heart of the pri- National Wildlife Refuge to wild turkey
mary zone of the Florida panther. The hunting. The panther refuge is the only
areas are nearly adjacent to the Florida land truly dedicated to keeping the Flori-
Panther National Wildlife Refuge. da panther from extinction. The US
Not only does the refuge contain the Department of the Interior announced
highest density of panthers in the state, that this plan is a part of its promotion of
but it is surrounded by other public lands public access to public lands. Three hunt
established to provide interconnected Photo/FWS weekends are being proposed with a limit
habitat and travel corridors for panthers Village (already approved), to create the that would amount to 70 turkeys.
and other species which share its range. Town of Big Cypress — a new down- The vast majority of the refuge’s
The village of Longwater will contain town center for Eastern Collier County in 26,609 acres would be open for turkey
up to 2,600 new residences while Bellmar the heart of the remaining habitat for the hunting during permitted hunts. Rhonda
will contain up to 2,750. In addition, panther. Roff, Sierra Club Calusa Group Execu-
commercial, government, and civic build- This same commission has recently tive Committee member, said: “If the
ings, and increased vehicle traffic will approved a slew of new developments Service has enough money to squander
become a part of this new suburban land- for Eastern Collier County - including on giving hunters access to kill 70 tur-
scape. 2,500 acres just across from the Cork- keys, then let them do it elsewhere. The
And once the two new villages are screw Swamp Sanctuary and the purchase panther does not need another threat to
approved, Collier Enterprises intends to of 1,000 acres just north of the Panther its existence, especially not in its own
add even more development and link Refuge for a horticultural waste site, refuge.”
them up with a third project, Rivergrass county fair, and off-road vehicle park.
8
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