This land is now in public hands because of grass roots community action. Tenacity throughout a long process at multiple levels of government is what it took to keep this last piece of coastal green from seemingly inevitable development. Heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this outcome!
Locals traveled to the Seminole Reservation in Okeechobee and spoke once again to support acquisition and advocate for educational/recreational public access on the property. Tropical Audubon as well as elected officials, government agencies and non-profit organizations also spoke or wrote once again to highlight the public good that will be served by acquisition of the property.
The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board:
-voted unanimously to authorize the settlement deal
-approved acquisition of 129.88 acres
-acted to access funds from the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund
-approved wetland restoration costs
This action demonstrates commitment to CERP/Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands and to the longterm health and well being of our residents and to fragile coastal habitats. BBCW aims to:
-restore wetlands
-improve natural fresh water flows to Biscayne Bay
-reduce salinity in the Bay
-rebuild coastal estuaries
-protect Biscayne National Park
-protect our water supply
-sustain the economic viability of the bay
Celebration planned for Saturday, March 27th at Tropical Audubon's Moonlight Concert at the Doc Thomas House. 5530 Sunset Dr., South Miami, 7pm. (305) 667-7337
Let's pop some corks and raise a glass in toast to this community victory!
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