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State Growth Management Watchdog Calls On Government Leaders to Protect
Everglades Agricultural Area from Inappropriate Development
October 28, 2009
Encompassing approximately 700,000 acres, the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is an integral part of the greater Everglades ecosystem. Recognizing the need to protect this sensitive area from the pressures of inappropriate growth and development, 1000 Friends of Florida is calling on local, regional, state and federal government leaders to better address immediate planning threats, promote better regional planning, and develop a sustainable economic development strategy for the EAA and surrounding areas. These recommendations are outlined in more details in 1000 Friends most recent report, Planning Strategies for the Everglades Agricultural Area, which was funded by the Everglades Foundation and other supporters.
1000 Friends President Charles Pattison explains that, while great effort and billions of dollars have been expended on the scientific and engineering aspects of Everglades restoration, scant attention has been paid to the tremendous development pressures facing the fringes of the Everglades, including the EAA. “Time after time, we see local projects being approved that clearly run counter to Everglades restoration goals,” Pattison notes. The recent Palm Beach County Commission rezoning to allow mining on Star Ranch and the proposal to put the inland port at the Florida Crystals site are but two examples, according to Pattison. “We must promote greater cooperation between local, regional, state and federal efforts to protect this vital resource in a cost-effective and responsible way.”
Due to its great size, central location, and large areas of land available for additional water management and restoration projects, the EAA plays an enormously important role in future Everglades restoration. Sound, sustainable planning for the EAA is essential if Everglades restoration is to succeed.
“The EAA and surrounding areas are facing rapid land use changes, as well as proposals for mining, an inland port, and solid waste facilities,” 1000 Friends Community Planner Joanne Davis explains. “Any of these could seriously undermine on-going efforts to restore the Everglades.” Davis continues, “It is imperative that there is commitment and dedication by from all levels of government to address these issues now.”
Report recommendations include to:
- Address immediate planning threats as they arise, including proposals for inappropriate development, mining, infrastructure and other projects in the EAA and its fringes.
- Promote a regional approach to long-term planning for the EAA, based on a working partnership between state, regional and local leaders.
- Develop a comprehensive sustainable economic development plan for the region that addresses the economic needs of the area’s residents in a manner compatible with Everglades restoration.
“We clearly understand that the EAA is a source of livelihood for thousands,” says Pattison. “Our goals are to promote Everglades restoration in a manner that is compatible with continued agriculture within the EAA as well as providing sustainable economic development opportunities for the Glades communities.”
A statewide nonprofit organization, 1000 Friends was founded in 1986 to serve as Florida’s growth management watchdog. For more information on 1000 Friends, visit www.1000friendsofflorida.org. Since 1993, the not-for-profit Everglades Foundation has been dedicated to advancing an understanding of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem and its irreplaceable environmental and economic value. More information on the Everglades Foundation can be found at www.evergladesfoundation.org.
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