Florida Forever at crossroads

Once again, Florida Forever, the land preservation program that is one of the state's most effective initiatives, is in danger of going unfunded.

Unless a powerful ally in the House comes to the rescue, it will mark the second year in a row the Legislature has failed to support the 20-year-old effort, which has protected more than 2.4 million acres of land and become a national model for conservation.

It was damaging enough the popular program was not funded last year for the first time in its history. Another year of neglect would signal landowners that the state is not serious about acquisition and could jeopardize the program's existence.

The state also would be missing an opportunity to capitalize on declining land prices.

To his credit, Sen. JD Alexander of Polk County sees the program's value. He has included $15 million for it in his chamber's budget plan.

Obviously, the $15 million would not make nearly as much impact as the $300 million annually allocated until last session, when the narrow-minded House let down the public and declined to fund it. But at least it maintains the effort and assures interested landowners the state intends to keep Florida Forever alive. Obviously, full funding cannot be expected during these tough times, as lawmakers are faced with a $3 billion budget gap.

The program is a favorite of Gov. Charlie Crist, who reiterated his support last week during Florida Forever Day in Tallahassee. Crist included $4.8 million for the program in his proposed budget, but that amount would be bonded to bring in a total of $50 million - which would allow the program to make more of an impact.

But the House, where many members weren't even old enough to vote when the land program was started by former Gov. Bob Martinez in 1990, offers no funding, a lapse that is appalling.

Florida Forever isn't only about shielding springs, forests and fragile coastal areas from development and providing recreational opportunities.

It is a critical investment in the economy. Renewed funding has been endorsed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which notes that the state's economic future is dependent on a "knowledge workforce" and those workers value a "high quality of life, sustainable communities and a commitment to the environment."

The program saves money for taxpayers, who don't have to fund costly roads and other infrastructure needed to support a developed tract. Preserving land also protects water supplies and aquifer recharge areas from pollution. The program provides an efficient way to protect both landowners' rights and wildlife habitat.

State Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, is in a position to help save this program. Weatherford, who also represents part of Hillsborough County, is an emerging House leader and likely to become speaker in 2012.

Weatherford should use his influence to continue Florida Forever's legacy of preserving the state's natural beauty and making it a more appealing place to live, work and visit.