Fund Florida Forever

The nation's biggest land conservation program has another chance before the 2010 Legislature to renew itself and change course from the 2009 majority decision not to fund this very popular and successful effort.

Florida Forever has always been strongly supported by various conservation, business, local, state and regional government, private landowners and citizen groups. A recent poll confirmed that 67 percent of Floridians support continued funding for this program.

Some suggest that enough land has already been protected, and in this time of budget cutting and priorities, buying land should not be a priority. For a host of reasons, this is the shortsighted, wrong choice.

1000 Friends of Florida believes now is the time to renew one of Florida's signature programs and take advantage of a real estate market that may not provide opportunities like these for decades. Even at a time of economic downturn, the threats of unmitigated urban sprawl and rampant overdevelopment are evident daily. The resulting loss of parks and public spaces, the decline in water supply and quality, and the harm to agricultural lands that will accompany inappropriate growth will have severe negative impacts on the quality of life for all Floridians.

Florida Forever and the complementary land conservation programs of local, federal and nonprofit partners represent a market-based, non-regulatory approach to protecting special places critical to the environment and quality of life in Florida. This program and its predecessor programs have received the unwavering support of many elected leaders from both political parties. In fact, four of Florida's outstanding former governors are honorary co-chairs of the Florida Forever Coalition: Ruben Askew, Bob Graham, Bob Martinez and Jeb Bush.

To be blunt about it, land conservation is simply good business. Protecting environmental lands, whether through outright purchase or easement, supports nearly every aspect of Florida's economy, from job creation to real estate to recreation.

In 2007, hunting, fishing and wildlife watching supported 120,000 jobs. Every 1,000 people visiting a state park on average spent $43,400 in the host community.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the outdoor recreation business in Florida is an $8.1 billion industry; others put the figure higher, at $11.6 billion.

We need the votes of legislators to make the annual, modest investment ($15 million in actual cash allows bond sales that will generate $300 million in purchase and easement opportunities) Florida Forever needs.

Florida Forever and its predecessor, Preservation 2000, have protected more than 2.4 million acres of land. These are not just lands "locked up" - they perform critically important functions that protect water resources, working agriculture and military facilities, provide parks and recreation and protect wildlife. To date, this includes 53,600 acres of springs and springsheds, 5,190 acres of fragile coastline, 300,000 acres of sustainable forest lands and 158,700 acres of working agricultural lands.

So far, 42 counties and 28 cities have passed resolutions supporting Florida Forever, and more than 100 diverse organizations have joined the Florida Forever Coalition.

Florida has some of the most unique and rare ecosystems and species in the world. Undermining Florida Forever increases the likelihood that remaining natural ecosystems will be damaged, threatened species will lose essential habitat and some species could be forced into extinction.

We are seeking a broad-based, unified effort to ensure the continuation of this program, which is so critical to Florida's future. 1000 Friends of Florida is calling on all those who enjoy open spaces, public parks and natural areas to join with us in the continuing effort to fund Florida Forever.

To join the coalition as an advocate, or to just stay appraised of current developments, go to info@supportfloridaforever.org.

Contact your local legislator to let them know Florida Forever must be a priority for 2010.