Florida's natural resources, including the endangered manatee and manatee habitat, need your help. A mega-marina could be coming to a neighborhood near you!
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is considering making language changes to the rule (Chapter 18-21 Florida Administrative Code) that protects state sovereignty submerged lands (Florida's public waters). While the existing language allows multi-family slips at densities comparable to single-family homeowners, the draft language changes the intent of the rule by potentially turning residential docking facilities into residential docking facilities with very large public marinas and/or boat ramps attached.
Now is the time to remind the FDEP and the governor that "net positive public benefit" includes the conservation and preservation of our natural resources, including clean water and pristine areas, and the protection of manatees and manatee habitat.
By adding your information below, you will be sending the following letter to FDEP Secretary Colleen Castille. A copy of the letter will also be sent to Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Alice Heathcock at the FDEP Office of Submerged lands and Environmental Issues. Thank you very much for your help!
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Dear Secretary Castille,
I do NOT support the proposed language amendments to Chapter 18-21 Florida Administrative Code.
I DO support smart planning when it comes to boat facility siting, and I expect manatees and manatee habitat to be adequately protected and not adversely affected. I am especially alarmed that the FDEP suggests unlimited growth over our publicly owned natural resources is a "net positive public benefit." The ramifications of this proposed rule change are chilling: a significant increase in vessel traffic, type, and size in areas where endangered manatees are already at an unacceptable risk of watercraft-related harassment, injury, and death; habitat degradation and loss; the pollution of our waterways; and not enough signage or law enforcement to adequately keep our resources, our communities, and the boating public safe.
Further, changes to the rule will be in conflict with existing federal, state, and local environmental protection laws, local land use ordinances and comprehensive management plans, and state-approved Manatee Protection Plans.
I DO support environmentally sound, science-based, management decisions to protect Florida's unique ecosystems and natural resources. Florida's waterways belong to all Floridians. The FDEP and the governor have a responsibility to protect our natural resources for all Floridians, not just those who wish to "pave over paradise."
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
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