To the Editor:
Voters (4.2 million Floridians, 75% of us) passed Amendment 1 to protect what remains of Florida’s undeveloped natural areas. We want the Legislature to use the estimated $757.7 million this year:
– $350 million to buy 26,100 acres in the Everglades Ag Area from U.S. Sugar to build a reservoir to clean agricultural water and send fresh water slowly to the Everglades.
– $150 million to buy the top 100 approved Florida Forever wildlife habitat, parks, conservation easements, and conservation lands and preserve them from development.
– $60 million for Florida’s First Magnitude Springs.
– $50 million for beach management
Amendment 1 creates stable long-term funding for conservation programs like Florida Forever and Everglades restoration. We want rivers, beaches and springs clean enough for swimming and fishing; parks and forests where people can recreate and enjoy nature. THAT is the kind of legacy we want to enjoy for ourselves and leave for those who come after us.
Ann L. Grewe
Village of Ashland