Hold the Line!

Urban Development Boundary Update

Further update The County Commission voted to override the Mayor's veto.

On April 24th, Miami-Dade's County Commissioners made a grave mistake by approving more sprawling development outside the County's Urban Development Boundary.  Over 100 community residents and activists spent the day pleading with Commissioners to Hold the Line.  Only 4 of 13 Commissioners heard their concerns.  Look how your Commissioner voted!

Please Contact Your Commissioner and Tell Them You are Disappointed in Their Vote for Sprawl!

Dorrin Rolle
district2@miamidade.gov		 Rebeca Sosa
   district6@miamidade.gov
Barbara Jordon
district1@miamidade.gov		 Javier Souto
district10@miamidade.gov
Audrey Edmonson
district3@miamidade.gov		 Bruno A Barreiro
district5@miamidade.gov
Joe A Martinez
district11@miamidade.gov		 Jose 'Pepe' Diaz
district12@miamidade.gov

The two commercial projects set the precedent that public policy will be driven by private development interests.  Please e-mail your Commissioner today and voice your disappointment in their decision to compromise your water supply and quality of life!  Ask them to redeem themselves on May 6th by upholding Mayor Alvarez' veto of these projects!

Don't forget our heroes!!!  Thank your Commissioner for Holding the Line and protecting quality of life issues in Miami-Dade County such as water quality, gridlock traffic and of course the Everglades.

 
Sally Heyman
district4@miamidade.gov		 Katy Sorenson
district8@miamidade.gov
Carlos Gimenez
district7@miamidade.gov		 Dennis Moss
district9@miamidade.gov

Hold the Line!

Urban Development Boundary Update

Miami-Dade County Commissioners' final vote will take place on April 24th at 9:30 a.m. at the Stephen Clark Government Center, 111 NW 1st Street, Downtown Miami.  We need the support of folks like you filling seats in the chamber. Can you attend the Commission meeting on April 24th and support allies in HOLD THE LINE?

Please view this video recently released about on Hold the Line and share with friends.  In just a few minutes, after dinner or during morning coffee, you can help!  Just contact your commissioner through this simple ACTION ALERT, and ask family and friends to join your efforts to Hold the Line! 

To become a hold the line campaign volunteer please email Laura Reynolds.

For more information, visit the Hold the Line website.

National Parks 10-year Plan

The National Park Service needs to hear from you!

Recently, the National Park Service initiated a 10-year plan to invigorate the Park system. They are seeking the input of individuals. They will surely be hearing from those interest groups and stakeholders that want to promote active recreational uses in National Parks—folks who will advocate for the expanded use of things like ATVs, Snowmobiles, and Jetskis. They really need to here from the silent majority that values the passive recreational uses, like birdwatching, and the solitude and rejuvenation that National Parks can offer.

The National Park Centennial Initiative hopes to:

To learn about the initiative and to provide feedback, please visit the initiative's website.

The published deadline for input is April 2, 2007, but don't let that dissuade you. Even if it is past the April 2 deadline, please let the Park Service know what is important by focusing your comments on the following questions:

  1. Imagine you, your children, or future generations enjoying national parks in 2016 and beyond. What are your hopes and expectations?
  2. What role do you think national parks should play in the lives of Americans and visitors from around the world?
  3. What are the signature projects and programs that you think should be highlighted for completion over the next 10 years?

Status of Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow

2006 Survey Report from Everglades National Park

In December, Superintendent Dan Kimball of Everglades National Park announced the results of the Everglades National Park annual Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow survey. Overall, population numbers of this endangered bird are similar to those reported in 2005; however, while some specific subpopulations are increasing in size, others are declining and 4 out of 6 subpopulations are at risk of disappearing.

Native to south Florida, the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrows occur in 6 separate subpopulations on State and National Park Service lands. In 2006, the total population was estimated to be 3,088 birds, the same as estimated in 2005, but down significantly from the 6,600 birds estimated during the period from 1981-1992. While some variation in population size is normal for this species, this decline is atypical.

One of the subpopulations is of particular concern to park biologists. In 2005, this group, which once contained 400 individuals, had only 48 birds. In 2006, no sparrows were recorded during routine surveys; however, a couple of birds were recorded in the area during additional, more intensive searches.

The subpopulation located west of Shark River Slough was up slightly in 2006, but has declined compared to historic levels. In the past, this subpopulation comprised more than 50% of the total population. Biologists estimate that there were more than 2,600 birds during the period from 1981-1992; however, from 1993-1995, this subpopulation’s size fell dramatically to 240 birds. After 1995, the sparrows recovered somewhat, but an unexpected dry season storm in 2000 raised water levels nearly 2 feet, flooding nests and preventing reproduction. In 2006, only 112 birds were estimated to occur in this group.

Other subpopulations totaling 2,944 birds, occur in the park. Of these, the smallest subpopulations (with less than 1,000 birds) have shown some minor increases in size. The National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners will continue to monitor, study and provide recommendations to ensure the recovery of this endangered species in its natural habitat.

A note from TAS

The status of the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow and other indicator species like the Wood Stork, the Snail Kite and the Roseate Spoonbill demonstrate that the ecosystems these birds rely on are stressed to the point that their long-term survival is bleak. On-going and future restoration efforts in the Everglades and other natural areas are critical to ensuring the continued existence of many plant and animal species, and the quality-of-life of those who visit or reside in South Florida. Through our work on regional water management, resource conservation and land use, TAS continues to be a voice for restoration and preservation of wildlife and wild places. We are saddened by the current state of the sparrow, and hope that we can be part of the process that brings these birds, and others, back from the brink.

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration projects in Miami-Dade County

For many years now, the Tropical Audubon Society has been tracking the progress of ecosystem restoration projects in Miami-Dade County. Following is an overview of some of what is planned along Biscayne Bay. We welcome your interest and would be happy to answer questions. Please e-mail us at director@tropicalaudubon.org or call us at 305-667-7337. As advocates for the environment, we fight to protect and restore the natural world and quality of life for Miami-Dade County residents and visitors.

The Deering Estate flowway is part of the Acceler8 portion of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). This project is one of 8 CERP projects that was chosen to be 'accelerated' for partial or full completion before the timeline that was originally projected in the full restoration plan. The Deering Estate flowway is a component of the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project (BBCWP)—one of two Dade County CERP projects that became part of Acceler8. The flowway is intended to take water from the canal that is adjacent to the Deering property west of Old Cutler, and divert that water to a natural flowway on the Deering Estate property. This water diversion will accomplish important hydrologic and ecologic restoration to the Deering Estate wetlands, shoreline, and the associated near shore waters of Biscayne Bay.

Other components of the BBCWP, while not part of Acceler8, are moving forward as well. One of those is another flowway that will take water from the C-100 canal and divert it to a spreader canal that passes through Coastal Wetlands running south of the old Burger King property towards Black Point. Again, the diversion of water is important to the long-term ecological health and sustainability of Biscayne Bay, Biscayne National Park and the coastal wetlands. Canal discharges are very damaging to the bay, causing drastic fluctuations in salinity that can have devastating impacts on water quality and wildlife. Canal discharges also often transport damaging excess nutrients and other pollutants directly to the bay. Historically, the water that now flows through canals used to get to the bay by flowing over land—across wetlands. This 'sheet flow' provided the water needed for the wetlands to be healthy, and the wetlands acted as water treatment—taking out any excess nutrients or pollutants before the water made it to the bay.

Right now, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District are trying to finalize the design of BBCWP components. You can view the latest plan here. To get the most hydrologic and ecological benefit, the spreader canal needs to be built as far west as possible. Unfortunately, land is being developed faster than the CERP projects are being built, and once land is converted to development, it is no longer usable for CERP. The Tropical Audubon Society is urging regulatory agencies to consider the needs of CERP as they consider any applications for development. We are also urging the Army Corps and the District to acquire those lands (at fair market value from willing sellers) in order to protect the opportunity to fully implement CERP and realize the best benefits for Biscayne Bay and Biscayne National Park.

Currently, the Tropical Audubon Society is aware of two new developments being considered on lands east of Old Cutler and north of Black Point. (Note: there may be more that we haven't yet discovered). The first, called Cutler Properties, is the parcel that is between the old Burger King property and Shoma Homes. The second, called Cutler Bay Village, is east of SW 87 Ave between theoretical SW 224 Street and 232 Street. Both of the projects include lands that could be used by CERP if they were available.

Cutler Properties is proposing to fill over 30 acres of wetlands—wetlands that we feel could be restored, or best used for the spreader canal. If permitted to fill the 30+ acres, the developer will add that to 9 acres of uplands along Old Cutler and build residential units on over 40 acres. While they have not committed to a final site plan, they have talked about building 341 residential units. The application is currently in process at Miami-Dade's Department of Environmental Resources Management for the wetlands fill permit (305-372-6575, 33 SW 2nd Ave, Suite 400, Miami, FL 33130). To get the permit, the developer needs a variance from the County's environmental regulations, and they have requested that variance from the County’s Environmental Quality Control Board (EQCB). The Tropical Audubon Society is opposed to the issuance of the variance and stated so at the October EQCB hearing. The applicant will next appear before the EQCB on December 14 (see info here). The EQCB hearing is public and anyone can make comment to the board—check the webpage for details. The EQCB is interested in hearing from residents in the area. The applicant has requested a continuance, so it is very likely that the EQCB will defer this item until January. Check back here for updates.

Cutler Bay Village is proposing to fill over 165 acres of similarly restorable or usable wetlands of CERP. The total development is proposed to cover 175 acres and no information has been provided about the type of development that is being proposed. This development is currently in process at the US Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Office for the wetlands fill permit (561-472-3504, 4400 PGA Blvd, Suite 500, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410).

CERP is envisioned to provide associated benefits to the built environment (like existing neighborhoods). By building features that allow water managers alternatives for how and where canal water is moved, we move towards a future water management system that better provides for our urban drinking water supply and flood control, as well as the tremendous environmental benefits we know can be achieved. Tropical Audubon remains committed to advocating for the full implementation of CERP.

TAS and NPCA Sue To Halt Planned Mega-Development

December 2006 update In the summer of 2006, the permit expired and the Army Corps of Engineers issued a new permit for the same work under the same false pretences. TAS and NPCA's first lawsuit became moot when the original permit expired. The two organizations have refiled their lawsuit and are awaiting hearings before a federal judge.

Halt Mega-Development! The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) joined TAS in filing a lawsuit in federal court against the US Army Corps of Engineers, opening a new front in the battle to stop inappropriate development from overwhelming the multi-billion dollar commitment to restore America's threatened Everglades. TAS and NPCA believe that the Corps violated federal law by allowing a controversial wetland fill permit to move forward for one purpose, agriculture, although the property owner, Atlantic Civil, Inc., and prospective developer, Lennar Corporation, have filed plans with the State of Florida to build a mega-development on the site.

The property is a few miles away from and directly between Biscayne and Everglades National Parks. Part of the “Model Lands”, these wetlands recharge the aquifer and filter the water flowing to Florida and Biscayne Bays. Atlantic Civil obtained a permit in April 2001, to fill nearly 1000 acres of low-lying wetlands in Miami-Dade County for agriculture. In 2004, the owner filed plans for a huge development—backed by one of the nation's largest production homebuilders, Lennar—including 6000 homes and related commercial development.

Given the development proposal, the Corps rightly questioned the owner's claim to only want to fill for agriculture and temporarily suspended the permit. However, when the owner objected, the Corps acquiesced and subsequently extended the permit until August 2006. The Corps maintains that any change in the land use from agriculture to housing would require a new permit. But the owner said that once it has finished filling the property, the Corps would not have jurisdiction over the site. NPCA and TAS allege the Corps should consider the development plans now, before the dredging and filling is completed.

NPCA and TAS have also sent a letter of intent to sue to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Corps citing concerns over the impacts of the project on imperiled species. Our decision to send this letter was validated when representatives from TAS and NPCA came across a dead Florida Panther on Card Sound Road in early February. The Corps is currently reviewing another request by the property owner to extend the timeline of the permit until 2011. This battle is one of many that the restoration community is waging to preserve and increase the size of wetlands across South Florida.

MANATEES DOWNLISTED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Action By State Agency Puts Manatees In Great Jeopardy We Need Your Immediate Help!

Despite a huge public outcry, on June 7, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted unanimously to downlist manatees from Endangered to Threatened status.

This action has little to do with how manatees are actually faring in the wild and everything to do with pressure from developers, the marine industries, and go-fast boaters. The FWC has projected that the manatee population could plummet to half its numbers within the foreseeable future. Now, boat speed zones can be rolled back, and marina and coastal development can move forward at an even faster pace. More and more boats will gain access to Florida's already overcrowded and dangerous waterways, and there will be more pollution from stormwater runoff.

Although the FWC is vehemently denying that the manatee's Threatened status will result in less protection, this is emphatically untrue, and a marine industry representative speaking at the FWC meeting was already asking for the boat speed zones to be reviewed for weakening protections.

The Tropical Audubon Society, the Save the Manatee Club, and 15 other organizations, have filed a legal petition asking the FWC to fix its imperiled species classification system.

What You Can Do

Please help protect manatees by sending a quick online letter to FWC's executive director, Ken Haddad, the FWC commissioners, and Florida Governor Jeb Bush. The e-mail protests the manatee's reclassification and asks the FWC to accept our legal petition to fix its imperiled species classification system. You can also get more background information on this issue.

Click here to send an online letter

MANATEES POISED FOR PREMATURE DOWNLISTING - ACT NOW!

"It seems contradictory that in the same month the state reports a near-record number of manatee deaths, it also would move to downgrade protections for the sea cows...The public should not be fooled into thinking all is well for these jeopardized animals..."—Tampa Tribune Editorial, January 2006

For over four years now, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) has been striving to downlist manatees from endangered to threatened status in the state of Florida. Although the proposal to downlist manatees has been on hold, now it is back on the fast track, and it seems inevitable that manatees will be downlisted by a vote of the FWCC Commissioners in June.

Inevitable, that is, unless we can mount a strong public awareness and grass roots campaign to stop this dangerous action. And we need your help to do it.

The FWCC is justifying their decision to downlist manatees by adopting a flawed imperiled species classification system that downlists manatees prematurely (see more information on this below).

There can be no doubt that threats are mounting for manatees: more people, more boats, more pollution, and the very real potential for warm waters from power plant effluents to be lost forever as aging plants are taken off line. Manatees need all the protection they can get.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  1. ATTEND THE MEETING: If you live in Florida, please attend the FWCC Commissioner's meeting on June 7 in West Palm Beach. Click for more information and the address of the meeting location. If you plan to attend, please call let Save the Manatee Club know by calling Janice Nearing at 1-800-432-5646 or e-mail her at jnearing@savethemanatee.org.
  2. SEND A MESSAGE ON DOWNLISTING: Submit your photo and "Please Don't Downlist Manatees" message to be featured in a PowerPoint presentation we are sending to the Commissioners and Governor Jeb Bush. LEARN MORE:
  3. SEND A QUICK LETTER: Please send a quick and easy online letter to the Commissioners and to Florida Governor Jeb Bush, telling them that you oppose downlisting manatees in Florida.

Thanks so much for your help on this critical issue for manatees. Your action now can make a huge difference!

HOW THE FWCC JUSTIFIES DOWNLISTING MANATEES:

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MANATEES IF THEY ARE DOWNLISTED?

Protect the Urban Development Boundary

THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT BOUNDARY IS UNDER ATTACK!

There are new large developments, of Aventura-like density, being proposed near Florida City and west of Kendall. The County Commission will be reviewing whether or not to move the Urban Development Boundary to accommodate these developments in the coming months.

These projects threaten natural areas, water supply, Everglades and Biscayne Bay restoration, and will add additional traffic to our already overburdened systems. TAS will be visiting County Commissioners to voice our concerns, but we need your help. If you would be willing to go with TAS representatives to meet with your Commissioner, please contact us at 305-667-7337.

TAS Needs Your Help! Update on the Urban Development Boundary

An Almost Complete Victory: 734 acres of agriculture, wetlands and open space spared from urban development

By now you have probably seen, read, or heard that the county-wide debate over the immediate future of the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) has come to an end. On April 19th, the Miami-Dade County Commission denied 4 of the 5 remaining applications to extend the UDB. This action by the Commission is neither the beginning of the story nor the end, the next cycle for those who seek to expand the UDB opens in April 2007. We have just enough time to catch our breath before it could happen all over again.

The UDB issue has become a lightning rod in the never-ending deliberation over whether the County is experiencing growing pains from uncontrolled development or improvement in our collective economic condition. As with most complex issues, it is extremely hard to boil everything down to sound-bites — yet that is probably what most folks have been getting. At TAS, we endeavored to participate in the dialogue by sticking to the facts and we are relieved that some of the Commission, for the most part, did as well.

Here are the most relevant facts:

Why an “Almost Victory?” When the application cycle opened in April of 2005, 9 different development proposals to expand the UDB were received as well as a text amendment that would have resulted in rapid and uncontrolled movement of the UDB. By the time these applications worked through the process and returned to the Commission in April of 2006, 4 of the development proposals and the text amendment were withdrawn.

These withdrawals happened, in part, because of the activism of TAS and the leadership of TAS and Audubon of Florida (and other partners) in the Hold the Line Campaign. The Campaign galvanized a cross-section of county residents, businesses, organizations, elected officials and municipalities. These entities believe in the core tenets of the Campaign: the needs of current taxpayers and residents must be fully accounted for and met, before allowing new development that will add to our overburdened traffic, transit, school, and park systems, and our drinking water supply and the environment must be fully protected.

As noted, the Commission finally denied 4 out of the 5 remaining applications. As expected, Commissioner Sorenson voted to deny all of them. Commissioners Gimenez, Heyman, Moss and Sosa voted to deny 4 projects. These four Commissioners, along with Commissioner Sorenson formed a critical voting block that effectively stopped approval of most of the projects. TAS appreciates their thoughtful consideration and willingness to make the difficult decision to deny and we encourge you, our members, to thank these commissioners for making the right decision. The county commission's webpage has links to contact information. Commissioners Barreiro, Diaz, Jordan and Seijas seemed to respond to every conceivable justification for sprawl development, they voted to approve all but one.

Four out of five denials and five withdrawals may seem like a stunning victory, but one project was approved to allow the City of Hialeah to develop an industrial park. This approval is a major disappointment for TAS. To be fair, the Hialeah proposal had attributes that made the application more appropriate than the others, but now is just not the time - remember, there is enough land for this type of development already within the UDB until 2025, the application should have been denied until land inventories were exhausted. The approval of Hialeah did not completely shut the door that was opened in 2004 when the last UDB amendment for development was approved. The 2004 approval set precedent for a huge push to move the UDB in 2005, and we are concerned that Hialeah’s approval may encourage future ill-considered and overly aggressive proposals.

A very special note of appreciation goes out to TAS members who reached out to their Commissioners and showed up to the hearings. You were all an important part of this critical moment in history. Perhaps the denials will change the complexion of land consumption in Miami-Dade County. Perhaps we have bought a little time to allow Everglades and Biscayne Bay restoration to be fully and completely implemented. Perhaps we have helped the County be more thoughtful about seemingly inconsequential land use and zoning changes that can be harmful to everyone’s quality of life. Perhaps. Then again, perhaps we will be back in the fight next April, or sooner if proponents of other projects keep pushing to move the UDB No matter what, TAS will be there!

Feb 28 Update on Urban Development Boundary

The UDB debate recently became even more complex when Carol Wehle of the South Florida Water Management District and Coleen Castille of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently paid an unexpected visit with the County. These officials were here with the support of the Governor delivering the message to the County that the water of the Everglades is not intended to provide for Miami-Dade's urban sprawl and unchecked growth.

As we reported last time, the County Commission voted to transmit the applications to move the UDB to the state's Department of Community Affairs for further review despite a mayoral veto. The DCA completed their review and have recommended denial of all the applications, citing issues relating to waters supply, overcrowded schools and traffic. The applications will come back to the Planning Advisory Board on March 30 (9:30 am) and the County Commission on April 18, 19, and 20 (9:30 am). These public hearings will decide the ultimate fate of the UDB. TAS urges you to stay involved. Keep contacting your County Commissioner and remind them to Hold the Line! Check this link to find out who your commissioner is and how to contact him/her.

We had tremendous public involvement at the meetings in November, it is critical that the public stay engaged. In the coming weeks, if you are a Miami-Dade TAS member, you may be getting a call from us as we approach the Commission meeting dates. If we call you, we will be asking you to contact your County Commissioner and we will provide you with all the info you need to make that contact. We appreciate your involvement. Holding the line depends on grassroots activity and all you arm-chair activists out there!

Mark your Calendars for the following UDB public meetings:

March 30
Planning Advisory Board, 9:30 am
April 18
Final 2006 UDB Hearings I, 9:30 am
April 19
Final 2006 UDB Hearings II, 9:30 am
April 20
Final 2006 UDB Hearings III, 9:30 am

Location for all public hearings:

Stephen P. Clark Center
111 N.W. 1st Street
Second Floor Commission Chambers
Miami, Florida 33128

January 24 UDB Update

Recently, Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez removed Commissioner Katy Sorenson from the South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC), where she was a resounding voice for TRUE smart growth, Everglades defense, mass-transit support, and a champion for the need to hold the Urban Development Boundary. Commissioner Sorenson was also the only Commissioner in December to sustain Mayor Alvarez's veto to stop transmittal of the applications to move the UDB.

Katy Sorenson has wholeheartedly embraced the SFRPC's mission:

To identify the long-term challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Florida and assist the region's leaders in developing and implementing creative strategies that result in more prosperous and equitable communities, a healthier and cleaner environment, and a more vibrant economy.

Commissioner Sorenson would have been eligible in the near future for the position of Chair for the Planning Council before her removal. Despite nearly perfect attendance Sorenson was de-appointed, almost immediately after defending the UDB once again at a recent SFRPC meeting where she and others from the Council overwhelmingly found inconsistencies in the proposals to move the UDB.

We need you to Sound Off!

Tell Chairman Martinez that he was wrong to remove Commissioner Katy Sorenson from the South Florida Regional Planning Council. We need leaders like Sorenson who, through years of experience with growth issues, understands what sound planning requires; someone who represents County residents' concern that land-use policies are being driven by developers and not by the will of the people.

Chairman Joe A. Martinez:
E-mail: District11@miamidade.gov
Downtown Office 305-375-5511
Fax 305-375-5883

District 11 Office 305-552-1155
Fax 305-552-0577

While you're at it, send a quick thank you to Commissioner Sorenson for her steadfast leadership, past and future, and her willingness to voice the concerns of the majority who oppose moving the UDB.

Commissioner Katy Sorenson:
E-mail: District8@miamidade.gov

Also, please remember to support out efforts to HOLD THE LINE by sending an e-mail to Florida Department of Community Affairs.

Your input could help guide this state Department's recommendation report which returns to the County Commission in April. Comments will only be taken until the end of this week (Jan. 21). If a state report can guide decisions about the future of Miami-Dade's UDB then your local opinion ought to at least weigh in on the recommendations.

December 22 Update

Despite a mayoral veto urging the County Commission to preserve the Urban Development Boundary in its current form and alignment, the County Commission voted to transmit the applications to move the UDB to the state's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for further review. This review process will continue through the end of February.

The applications will come back to the Planning Advisory Board in March 2006 and the County Commission in April 2006. These two public hearings will decide the ultimate fate of the UDB. TAS urges you to stay involved. Keep contacting your County Commissioner and remind them to Hold the Line! We had tremendous public involvement at the meetings in November, it is critical that the public stay engaged. Use this link to find out who your commissioner is and call, write or send a fax today!

You should also communicate your feelings to the DCA. Tell them:

Send your comments to:

Paul Darst, Senior Planner
Phone (850) 922-1764
Email: Paul.Darst@dca.state.fl.us

Roger Wilburn, Principal Planner
Phone (850) 922-1822
Email: Roger.Wilburn@dca.state.fl.us

DCA Secretary Thaddeus Cohen
Email: Thaddeus.Cohen@dca.state.fl.us
FAX: (850) 921-0781)

Ms. Marlene Conaway, Chief of Comprehensive Planning
Phone: (850) 922-1786
Email: Marlene.Conaway@dca.state.fl.us

Ms. Valerie Hubbard, Director for the Division of Community Planning
Phone (850 922-1751)
Email: Valerie.Hubbard@dca.state.fl.us

You can send written comments by mail to DCA at:

FL DCA, Division of Community Planning
2555 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100
FAX: (850) 488-3309

Miami-Dade County Residents: TAS Needs Your Help!

If You've Never Acted Before — Now Is The Time — You Can Make A Difference!!!

On November 30th, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners will continue to hear requests to move the Urban Development Boundary.

The UDB is that “line in the sand” meant to contain suburban sprawl, protect natural areas and protect important natural resources like our drinking water. Nine new applications were submitted to move the line this year, and a tenth application submitted by builders and developers seeks to change langauge in the County's Master Plan that would force the movement of the line. This many applications is unprecedented, and the applications represent a full attack on the UDB by those who profit from development without bearing any of the social costs.

Every resident of the county who cares about their quality of life has a role to play in holding the UDB. Attend the meetings and communicate that moving the line will worsen traffic, contribute to overcrowded schools, contribute to the loss of agricultural lands and threaten our natural areas and our drinking water supply.

Meeting Location and Time

The Board of County Commissioners Hearing
November 30, 2005
Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1 St
Commission Chambers
beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Contact Your Commissioner!

If you can't attend the meetings, contact the County Commission today and tell them to HOLD THE LINE! Use this link to find out who your commissioner is and call, write or send a fax today!

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY RESIDENTS: TAS NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Help Keep the Urban Development Boundary Intact!

Starting in early September, Community Council meetings in Miami-Dade County will start to consider requests to move the Urban Development Boundary (UDB). The UDB is that “line in the sand” meant to contain suburban sprawl, protect natural areas and protect important natural resources like our drinking water. Nine new applications were submitted to move the line this year. This many applications is unprecedented, and the applications represent a full attack on the UDB by developers and builders, those who profit from development without bearing any of the social costs.

Every resident of the county who cares about their quality of life has a role to play in holding the UDB. Attend the meeting and communicate that moving the line will worsen traffic, contribute to overcrowded schools, contribute to the loss of agricultural lands and threaten our natural areas and our drinking water supply. Here is the meeting schedule:

Endangered Species Act Under Attack

Ask Your Senators to Oppose S. 2110
This Bill Will Gut The Endangered Species Act!

Late last week, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced a bill to radically undermine the Endangered Species Act. Senate Bill S. 2110, cynically titled the “Collaboration and Recovery of Endangered Species Act,” would completely derail the endangered species listing program, remove protections for endangered species habitat, and cut federal oversight of projects that threaten endangered species.

Please send a quick and easy online letter to your senators, asking them to oppose this bill, at the Center for Biological Diversity's web site.

Crapo hopes to pass a senate bill that would allow Congress to adopt the terrible Pombo anti-endangered species bill that passed the House this September. Crapo introduced his bill in the midst of Congress' end-of-year rush to finish up work so they can leave town for the holidays. He is hoping to sneak this bill through the Senate Finance Committee in order to avoid the Environment and Public Works Committee that usually oversees endangered species issues.

Therefore, we need to raise the alarm: let your senators know they need to oppose this attack on the Endangered Species Act. Otherwise this terrible bill will get moving in the Senate under the radar. We need early and strong opposition to stop this bill before it ever gets off the ground.

A full explanation and full text of the Crapo bill is available at www.biologicaldiversity.org.

If you have time, please also call your senators and ask them to oppose S. 2110, Senator Crapo's anti-endangered species bill. You can find contact information for your senators by using our Audubon Links.

Watershed Plan

For several years, the Tropical Audubon Society has been dutifully serving on the South Miami-Dade Watershed Plan Advisory Committee. The Committee is charged with providing stakeholder input into the Watershed Study and Plan, an ambitious effort to create a blueprint for the future of south Miami-Dade County (which includes almost all of the county south of SW 8th Street). In light of the current campaign by developers to expand the Urban Development Boundary, the completion of the Watershed Plan is taking on new urgency and significance.

The Watershed Study originated from the need to protect Biscayne Bay, Biscayne National Park and Miami-Dade County from current water quality and quantity problems caused by past practices, and potential water impacts posed by future development. It is meant to be a comprehensive study that analyzes and projects surface and ground water uses and corresponding land uses. The Watershed Plan is to be based on the study which will project, examine, and analyze surface and groundwater uses and corresponding land uses, including water uses for sustaining and restoring the environment, sustaining economically viable agriculture, providing flood protection, and supplying and protecting drinking water and other water. The final plan is required to meet the following objectives:

At the December 22, 2005 meeting the Committee was asked to discuss strategies for formulation of the preferred scenario. The preferred scenario will define where future development should and should not occur in south Dade. Because of the diversity of the Committee, it is not hard to imagine that the development of the preferred scenario may be a contentious process. TAS will continue to advocate for the National Park, Biscayne Bay and ecosystem conservation. It is critical that members of the public interested in seeing the environmental benefits promised by the Plan be engaged in the process.

Two public meetings will be held in February to solicit public input:

February 21, 2006 7pm - 9pm
Florida International University (FIU)
College of Engineering & Computing
Engineering Center
Second Floor, Room 2300
10555 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33174

February 22, 2006 7pm - 9pm
Miami Dade College (MDC)
Homestead Campus
Building F, Room 222
500 College Terrace
Homestead, FL 33030

Questions can be directed to from Bob Daniels with the South Florida Regional Planning Council at 800-985-4416, or you can call TAS at 305-667-7337 for more information.

Here's an Opportunity to Get involved in Everglades Restoration!

Public Workshop, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Scoping Meeting, Everglades National Park Seepage Management Project

Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Open House 6:30 p.m. Presentation 7:00 p.m.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Auditorium, 9300 NW 41st Street, Miami FL 33178.

The presentation will be followed by public comment to gather information and identify issues critical to the development of the draft Project Implementation Report (DPIR) and Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).

For more information, contact Erica Robbins at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 561-472-8893 or via email or visit www.evergladesplan.org.

The Everglades National Park Seepage Management project is one component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The purpose of the project is to reduce eastward water seepage from the Everglades system for the benefit of the wetland communities within Everglades National Park. The project includes an aboveground recharge area, a wetland buffer area, relocation and enhancement of levee L-31N, a sheetflow delivery system and other features located adjacent to Everglades National Park in Miami-Dade County. It includes three components of the Central and Southern Florida Project Restudy: the S-356 Structures, L-31N improvements for seepage management and Bird Drive Recharge Area.

Dry Tortugas Management Plan in Jeopardy

Dry Tortugas National Park is a unique, nationally renowned marine environment known for its coral reefs, abundant resources, and captivating history. Under the recently approved Management Agreement for Dry Tortugas National Park, nearly half of the park was designated as a Research National Area (RNA). This designation would give scientists the opportunity to study the Park's ecological health, protect shallow marine habitats, and provide an area free from overuse. Ultimately, the RNA would provide a "scientific baseline" for research on the effects of human impacts. Even with the RNA in place, more than 50% of the Park's waters will remain open to recreational fishing, including areas that were identified by fishermen as the most popular fishing sites.

Unfortunately, a long-standing disagreement between the State of Florida and the National Park Service has the RNA in jeopardy.

Take Action

On Tuesday, August 9, Governor Jeb Bush and his Cabinet will meet and vote on the future of the Management Agreement and the RNA. Call Governor Bush and his Cabinet and urge them to protect Dry Tortugas for present and future generations by supporting the Management Agreement and the RNA! The protection of this area is vital, and we need to make sure the Governor and his Cabinet know that Floridians care about this issue. Below you will find talking points to support your comments. When calling, remember to include your personal convictions about this historic area!

Talking Points

Contact information for the Governor and Cabinet members

Governor Jeb Bush
PL 05 The Capitol
400 South Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Main phone: (850) 488-4441
Cabinet phone: (850) 488-5152
Fax: (850) 487-0801
Email: Jeb.bush@myflorida.com

Charlie Crist, Attorney General
PL 01 The Capitol
400 South Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3300
Main phone: (850) 414-3990
Cabinet phone: (850) 245-0145
Fax: (850) 410-1630
Email: Charlie_Crist@oag.state.fl.us

Tom Gallagher, Chief Financial Officer
PL 11 The Capitol
400 South Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0300
Main phone: (850) 413-3100
Cabinet phone: (850) 413-2825
Fax: (850) 413-2950
Email: TOM.GALLAGHER@FLDFS.COM

Charles Bronson, Commissioner of Agriculture
PL 10 The Capitol
400 South Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0810
Main phone: (850) 488-3022
Cabinet phone: (850) 410-6747
Fax: (850) 922-4936
Email: commissioner@doacs.state.fl.us

Can you attend this meeting in person?

The Ocean Conservancy is sponsoring two 15-passenger vans from the Tampa Bay/Clearwater area that will be leaving on the afternoon of August 8 - overnight accommodations will be provided at no cost. The vans will pick up passengers at the University of South Florida campus and other meeting areas in the Tampa Bay/Clearwater area, then driving to Tallahassee (with a possible pickup/stop in Gainesville, Florida). Passengers will stay overnight, attend the Cabinet meeting the morning of August 9th, and leave Tallahassee after a complimentary lunch.

Space is limited so please RSVP! For information on the meeting, logistics, and more, contact Jason Bennis, NPCA Marine Policy Manager, at (954) 961-1280 or suncoast@npca.org.

Help protect Elkhorn, Staghorn and Fused-Staghorn Coral

Elkhorn, staghorn, and fused-staghorn corals were once the primary components of coral reef ecosystems throughout the Caribbean. But since the 1970s these three species have declined by over 97% in nearly every location that scientists have systematically studied. Coral diseases and global warming are threatening the continued existence of these species, but fortunately the Endangered Species Act can provide resource managers with tools to combat these threats once full Endangered Species Act protections are provided.

After being prompted by the Center for Biological Diversity, the National Marine Fisheries Service ("NMFS") proposed protecting elkhorn and staghorn corals as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act, a major advancement for coral reef conservation. However, NMFS has not proposed fused-staghorn coral for protection, has not created a proposal to protect the corals' critical habitats, and has only proposed protecting the corals as "threatened," rather than "endangered." Please write NMFS today and ask that it provide full protection for Caribbean corals by protecting all three corals as "endangered" and by designating critical habitat as soon as possible.

You can take action via the web at the action network web site. We encourage you to take action by August 8, 2005.

Everglades Wetlands

Update

I hope people remember how individual commissioners voted today. They said this was an issue of simple annexation. I disagree.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez
Miami Herald, June 22, 2005

On June 21st, the Miami-Dade County Commission overturned the Mayoral veto of the Florida City annexation of wetlands in south Miami-Dade County. This is a very unfortunate outcome. The Commissioners that approved the annexation never spoke to the merits of the proposal. They voted in favor of the annexation despite recommendations to deny that came from the County Manager, the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management, the Miami-Dade County Planning Department, the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife, residents, environmental groups and community organizations.

The vote was 8-4 to overturn the veto. Commission Giminez, who originally voted against the annexation, was out of town and absent from this vote. If he had been in town, the veto would have been sustained and the annexation would have failed.

Votes for the annexation and against the veto: Barbara J. Jordan, District 1; Dorrin D. Rolle, District 2; Dennis C. Moss, Vice Chairman, District 9; Joe A. Martinez, Chairman, District 11; Bruno A. Barreiro, District 5; José “Pepe” Diaz, District 12; Senator Javier D. Souto, District 10; and Natacha Seijas, District 13.

Votes against the annexation and for the veto: Katy Sorenson, District 8; Barbara Carey-Shuler, Ed. D., District 3; Sally A. Heyman, District 4; and Rebeca Sosa, District 6.

Absent: Carlos A. Gimenez, District 7.

Please contact Mayor Alvarez and those that voted to sustain his veto and express your appreciation for taking a stand against the annexation. It was a politically-charged situation and it took great courage and leadership for these commissioners to do the right thing.

Visit www.miamidade.gov for contact info and to find out who your commissioner is.

TAS is utterly disappointed that the annexation passed. It is important to note, however, that through our advocacy, the annexation area was reduced by more than 50% (over 2000 acres of wetlands were eliminated from the annexation footprint) and the ordinance that approved the annexation prohibits any movement of the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) without the approval of the County Commission.

TAS will continue the fight to protect the UDB in order to sustain our water supply, ensure Everglades restoration and preserve important habitat for birds and wildlife!

Further Information:

This is a critical decision point that sets the stage for future land use battles in Miami-Dade County.

Florida City has requested to annex over 1700 acres of Everglades wetlands, which could then be developed into 6000 homes, office and retail space and a movie theater. Annexation and any proposed development is inappropriate for this area and it will impair the progress of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

The 1700 acres are within the boundaries of two projects of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) intended to restore and enhance the freshwater and coastal wetlands and the nearshore environment of Biscayne National Park and Bay, the panhandle of Everglades National Park and Barnes and Card Sounds. Allowing annexation of this land will decrease the oversight of any proposed development on this property. Since the land owner and Lennar Homes have already proposed a plan to build over 6,000 homes in this area, the threat of destroying these wetlands is real. Development will directly reduce the success of these restoration projects' objectives of protecting and enhancing critically important Everglades wetlands.

The County must retain jurisdiction over this property to control any development requests. Approval of any development in this location is unequivocally inconsistent with the County's imperative to direct and encourage in-fill and redevelopment in underutilized urban areas of the County. The project pushes development into a low-lying, flood prone area of Miami-Dade where the development should be avoided. Due to the project's proximity to U.S. Route 1 and Card Sound Road, a hurricane evacuation plan for this area will likely have negative impacts on the evacuation for Florida Keys residents. With the reality of last years four-hurricane season, this is unacceptable for those residents.

UM Threatens Pine Rocklands

Update On May 9, 2005, the Board of County Commissioners approved the University of Miami's request to change the land use designation which opens the doors to development in the endangered pine rockland. TAS will continue to be active in the process in an effort to ensure that those portions of the pineland the University committed to conserving will be protected and properly managed.

The University of Miami plans conversion of pine rocklands to residential development

In an effort to make money for their endowment, the University of Miami has proposed to develop a piece of land they own near Miami Metrozoo. The plan calls for the construction and sale of 1200 homes, retail and office space and other community amenities on 136 acres of the Richmond pine rockland tract. It is the largest remaining tract of pine rockland in Dade county outside of Everglades National Park. There are 202 native plant species on the property, 21 of which are listed by the state of Florida as either Endangered or Threatened. Among those 21 species, two are listed as federally endangered by the USFWS: Polygala smallii (Small's milkwort) and Chamaesyce deltoidea var. deltoidea (Deltoid spurge). Additionally, Zornia bracteata (viperina) is listed by IRC as critically imperiled in South Florida.

While touting a smart-growth approach, those working to bring this development to fruition are ignoring the intrinsic natural values that currently exist on the site. The New Urbanist approach they are applying is certainly the way the growth should occur, but this is the wrong place to apply those principles. The current proposal does provide for the conservation of about 45 acres of pine rockland, but there will be other habitat impacts that will require mitigation if the project is approved as proposed. The environmental features of the site were one of the main reasons the County's Planning staff recommended denial of the land use change last August stating that the pinelands were "the most significant upland natural habitat in Miami-Dade County outside of Everglades National Park." Other staff concerns focused primarily on the impacts of additional traffic in the surrounding roadways and neighborhoods.

The development of the site requires that Miami-Dade County change the land use designation that is currently assigned to the site. The change is also subject to a review by the state's Department of Community Affairs. On April 11th, the County's Planning Advisory Board recommended denial to the University of Miami's request. On May 9th, the Board of County Commissioners will hear the request and either approve or deny the application. The meeting will take place in Commission Chambers in the Stephen P. Clark Center located at 111 N.W. 1st Street, Miami, Florida 33128. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am. It is imperitative to communicate to the Commissioners that this request should be denied.

Please contact your elected County Commissioner and express your concern over the impacts to traffic and the loss of green space in the community. Urge them to consider acquiring the site for improving the existing network of parkland in the area. If you don't know who your commissioner is, visit the following website and type in your address: http://gisims.miamidade.gov/scripts/esrimap.dll?name=CountyServices&Cmd=Map.

Use the following points in your calls, letters and e-mails.

Thanks!

Cynthia Guerra
Executive Director
Tropical Audubon Society

Don't Let the Florida Department of Environmental Protection “Pave Over Paradise!”

This issue is no longer active.

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 ISSUE:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 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.

We supports smart planning when it comes to boat facility siting and we expect manatees and manatee habitat to be adequately protected and not adversely affected! We are especially alarmed that the DEP 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 manatees are already at risk for 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.

Now is the time to remind the DEP 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.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Please e-mail or write the DEP and Governor Jeb Bush (contact information below) and let them know:

1. You do NOT support the proposed language changes to Chapter 18-21 Florida Administrative Code (FAC) because it:

2. You support environmentally sound, science-based, management decisions to protect Florida's unique ecosystems and natural resources. Florida's waterways belong to all Floridians. The DEP and the governor have a responsibility to protect our natural resources for all Floridians, not just those who wish to “pave over paradise.”

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Alice Heathcock
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources
2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2500
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400
E-mail: Alice.Heathcock@dep.state.fl.us

Governor Jeb Bush
PL 05 The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
E-mail: jeb@jeb.org

Encourage Senator Mel Martinez To Oppose Efforts To Open The Arctic Refuge To Drilling!

This issue is no longer active.

The 109th Congress has convened, and the pro-drillers are already targeting new Members of Congress -- specifically your new Senator, Mel Martinez -- trying to convince them to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling. As we write, their first effort is underway: trying to attach drilling revenues to the FY06 budget resolution - the Congressional blueprint that sets overall funding levels for government agencies for the upcoming fiscal year. This is nothing more than a back-door, underhanded way to avoid a fair and open debate on an issue that is considered one of the most controversial Congress will tackle this year.

Senator Martinez must hear from Floridians early and often that the Arctic Refuge is far too special to sacrifice for such a small amount of oil that would not available for ten years!

Please call Senator Martinez and urge him to oppose any effort to include Arctic drilling provisions to the budget resolution! Your phone call will help identify where the lawmaker stands on the issue, while also letting him know that this issue deserves a fair and open debate, and should not be slid through with smarmy back-room maneuvers.

Now that the Senate has convened, it's important that your call goes into the Senator's office within the next two weeks. We want Senator Martinez to be greeted in his new job by his constituents with a strong message for protecting the Arctic Refuge!

You can reach Senator Martinez's office at (202) 224-3041. It will be such an easy thing to do, and so important to protecting one of America's most important wildlife areas. See below for the quick phrase to use when calling the Senator's office.

And if we can ask you to do just one more thing: please contact us after you place your call and let us know what you learned. If you have any questions, would like more information, or to let us know what you learned from you call, please contact us via email, or by calling 1-800-659-2622.

For over 20 years, Audubon has been a leading voice in protecting the Arctic Refuge. Help us continue to do so and preserve America's last great frontier -- an environmentally sensitive and biologically productive area for birds and wildlife that call it home, and allowing a National Wildlife Refuge to do what it was created to do: be a haven for birds and wildlife.

Thank you so much for your support!

Here's A Sample Script To Use When Calling Senator Martinez:

Call Senator Martinez's Washington, DC office at (202) 224-3041. A receptionist will answer the phone. Tell the receptionist you are calling to urge Senator Martinez to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling and that you would like to know the senator's position on the issue. The receptionist at that point will either thank you for calling, engage you in a conversation, or connect you with a legislative assistant. When you talk to one of the senator's representatives, focus on the following simple points:

Be sure to ask where the Senator stands on the issue, and ask for a written reply. Please remember to thank the staff member for their valuable time. Your phone call will only take a minute or two, and will go a long way to ensuring that the state of Florida is not represented by a Senator who supports drilling in America's sensitive wildlife preserves!

Thank you so much for helping protect the Arctic Refuge!

Watson Island Update

On November 30, in what was described as some attendees of the hearing as a "love-fest" between the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County Governments, the County Commission unanimously approved the Watson Island mega-yacht marina development. Over the objections of TAS and Sierra Club–Miami Group, Miami-Dade's Department of Environmental Resources Management rationalized the destruction of more than 15 acres of seagrasses by stating that the mitigation would make up for the impacts caused by the construction. TAS remembers a time when the County would work with developers to minimize impacts, and we also remember a time when a good mitigation proposal was not a sufficient excuse to destroy resources. We are extremely disappointed by the decisions made by the County and the handling of this project.

The following is a recap as reported in the Miami Sun Post on December 2, 2004:

County Commission Approves Dredging of Biscayne Bay, Miami Environmentalists Concerned About Impact - County commissioners praised the mega-yacht marina plan.

By Erik Bojnansky, Editor

Enthusiastic about the promise of jobs and making Miami home to a "mega-yacht" marina, the Miami-Dade County Commission unanimously gave permission for developers to dredge several acres of Biscayne Bay, during a meeting Tuesday.

The future mega-yacht marina is part of a larger scheme proposed by Flagstone Development and the City of Miami to redevelop Watson Island. The public-private project, totaling about $281 million, will feature two hotel towers and a marina equipped with 50 slips that are designed to berth vessels greater than 100 feet in length.

Miami Commissioner Johnny Winton spoke on behalf of the dredging request and argued that the marina will help make his city a world-class destination. "I've never been on a mega-yacht before, but I've seen them and I know people who own them," he said.

But to accommodate the marina it will be necessary to dredge 15.8 acres of submerged bay bottom to depths of minus 18 feet, according to a report from Dade Environmental Resources Management (DERM). "The applicant has stated that dredging to this depth is necessary to accommodate the deeper drafts of mega yachts that presently cannot be moored at the existing marina," wrote John Renfrow, director of DERM, in his report to commissioners. "As proposed, the completed marina will be able to accommodate mega yachts with a maximum length not to exceed 465 feet."

The amount of dredging worried representatives of Sierra Club Miami and the Tropical Audubon Society. "We want to be clear that we are not opposed to a marina," said Cynthia Guerra, executive director of the Tropical Audubon Society. But Guerra, a former employee of DERM, questioned whether or not the county environmental agency truly grasped the impact digging would have in the environmentally protected (and manatee protected) Biscayne Bay. "We believe the applicant's goals and the city's goals can be realized with [a plan] that is better for the bay."

"There are going to be impacts, no doubt about it," Renfrow told commissioners. But Renfrow said his agency has been meeting with Flagstone for the last two years and the mitigation plans the company has proposed will make up for any negative impacts caused by dredging Biscayne Bay. "Basically it balances it out," Renfrow said. "We think it is a good plan right now."

Winton reminded the county commission that Miami voters approved the Watson Island redevelopment plan in November 2001. He also believes that the new marina will provide Miami's working class with much-needed jobs.

County commissioners praised the mega-yacht marina plan. "We're not a small town, we are a big city and this puts us on the map, especially with those who own mega-yachts," said Commissioner Natacha Seijas.

Cynthia Guerra on Watson Island Development

This issue is no longer active. See the update.

TAS's Cynthia Guerra comments on the Mega-yacht Marina and Related Development Coming Soon to Watson Island.

With dollar signs in their eyes, and an army of lobbyists in tow, the powers that be at the City of Miami are embarking on yet another assault on public lands and the sensitive natural resources of Biscayne Bay. This latest insult is occurring in the form of hotels, timeshares and a mega-yacht marina on Watson Island. The same Watson Island that could have been Miami's Central Park: a spectacular wild place to sooth our weary urbanized souls; a place to connect with the Bay and her natural treasures; and a place to provide eco-tourism opportunities and a sustainable industry with the well-being of our environment as its core value. Instead (and not withstanding the Children's Museum which seeks to accommodate other community needs) Watson Island is for sale to the highest bidders. And those bidders come well armed to persuade us that they have our best interest's at heart.

The current proposal includes glossy brochures depicting canopy covered walkways and open spaces hosting community events that provide for public access—and I suppose it is still possible that this vision may come to pass. However, I am skeptical considering what has already transpired. In 1949, Watson Island was deeded to the City of Miami provided the City “not give or grant any license or permit to any private person, firm or corporation to construct...structures, buildings or other things on the...lands or any part thereof for any private use or purpose.” The deed further stated that it was the intention of this restriction that “the said lands shall be used solely for public purpose, including municipal purposes and not otherwise”. Well, these deed restrictions did not allow for the commercial development the City wanted, so the City asked the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida to lift the restrictions. In June of this year, the State granted the City's request, and thusly, you and I and everyone else summarily lost our rights to access on Watson Island (well, everyone except those who will be able to afford the high rents, high dockage, or high price of ownership in the new development).

Insulted? You should be. This is not the first time the City and the State have conspired to strip us of access to public places. Public parkland at Bayfront Park was consumed to create Bayside Shopping Center. In exchange for this loss of public land, the City made commitments to acquire new bayfront parkland, namely the Barnacle addition in Coconut Grove. Lo and behold, instead of ensuring those lands were held in the public trust, the City allowed that land to be used for ANOTHER private development (the Cloisters). This was especially painful for me to witness—the tropical hardwood hammock that was destroyed to make way for million dollar bungalows had been there forever. A vestige of our natural history was wiped out to boost tax roles.

Interestingly, I read in the Herald that one of the City Commissioner's was concerned about what kind of impact the construction was going to have on the birds at Parrot Jungle. That's a nice sentiment, but boy is it misplaced. If they want to worry about impacts to natural resources, what about the 10+ acres of Bay bottom that are going to be dredged up to make way for the marina. This bay bottom supports acres of seagrass (including an endangered seagrass) and other biological communities that contain corals, sponges, invertebrates, fish, and the occasional endangered sea turtle and manatee.

Miami-Dade County DERM is currently reviewing the application for the marina, but under the political pressure of the City, this application does not appear to be subject to the "avoidance and minimization" standards that are typically the mantra of the County's environmental permitting process. In other words, if you own waterfront land and you want to build a dock for your boat, you have to avoid impacts to natural resources if at all possible, minimize impacts if they are unavoidable, and mitigate for impacts your dock has on resources that were impacted. In their application, the City has stated that there is only one economically viable configuration for their marina although they do not factually support this assertion at all. The City also claims that their configuration of choice is consistent with a voter referendum approving the development. I don't think that the referendum contained conceptual drawings of all the possible marina configurations and I don't think the electorate that approved the referendum was being asked to determine the environmental impacts of the project. So despite the existence of proposed alternatives that greatly reduce impacts to Bay resources, the City selected the most destructive configuration and they are not being charged in the County's regulatory review process to change it.

Disgusted? Me too. The Tropical Audubon Society and Sierra Club - Miami Group have had two meetings with DERM to express our concerns. We have left both meetings unsatisfied that the County is going to apply any more scrutiny to the project. I am sure this is a symptom of the larger political disease of high-powered interference in the regulatory process. Tropical Audubon will be at the Commission meeting in late September / early October when the marina application is going to be considered. What can you do? Contact your Commissioners at the County and at the City (if you are a City resident) and tell them that you expect them to protect your interests, tell them they should apply the highest levels of protection for our public spaces and our environment. And don't forget to tell them that you are watching this process and that you vote!