Despite a negative report issued by the Department of Community Affairs, Collier County is proceeding with a proposal for an all terrain vehicle park in the middle of Big Cypress National Preserve. Miami Dade County is pushing the plan there as they hold the land in the airstrip area.
The DCA has labeled the project a threat to Everglades Restoration as well as to the endangered panther and wood stork. This project threatens the Everglades, it wetlands and wildlife for the benefit of a small number of off road vehicle enthusiasts.
The project was also condemned for contributing to urban sprawl. The proposal will be heard in public hearing by the Collier Environmental Advisory Council on June 2, the Collier Planning Commission on June 15 and by the Board of County Commissioners on July 28. Public comment is appropriate at all hearings. The Collier Commissioners can be reached by e-mail as follows:
FrankHalas@colliergov.net
JimColetta@colliergov.net
FredCoyle@colliergov.net
DonnaFiala@colliergov.net
TomHenning@colliergov.net
Testing the Thin Blue Line
4 years ago
In my opinion the ATV park is needed. Too many people are getting hurt riding on the side of the road. There's a need for this type of park.
ReplyDeleteIf there is a demand I definitely believe it should be fulfilled but not at the cost of others. There are other areas where this need can be fulfilled. Do we really need to add more pressured to the endangered panther??
ReplyDeleteEnough is enough! Our wildlife needs to be accounted for when these decisions are being made!