EcoAction Alert

Several days ago, we asked you to act in support increased funding for land conservation by contacting leaders of a Conference Committee that was considering the issue. The final decision is now in the hands of the Budget Conference Committee. The action we are asking of you is the same; however, the legislative leaders we must influence have changed.

Land conservation remains the most effective tool we have to ensure a secure future for Florida’s native plants and native plant communities. It has never been more important than NOW, as the rapid pace of land development threatens our ability to preserve important corridors. The Legislature is finalizing the state’s budget over the next several days. Please contact these legislative leaders and tell them to increase funding for land conservation!

Hello Members of the Florida Native Plant Society:

Please take a moment to email or telephone Representative Tom Leek, Chair of the Budget Conference Committee, and his counterpart Senator Doug Broxson, who is serving as Vice-Chair. Tell them Florida needs to dedicate at least $300 million to each of our land conservation programs – Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program – while we still have an opportunity to beat the bulldozers and protect the most vulnerable lands.

Let Chair Leek and Vice-Chair Broxson know that:

• Florida’s economy is booming and more money for land conservation is available. More than $1 billion has been deposited into the Land Acquisition Trust Fund over the last year; however, only a small fraction of that amount is currently proposed for land conservation.

• The Legislature’s emphasis on protection of lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor reflects a recognition that the window-of-opportunity for successfully protecting those lands is closing rapidly. This demands a greater sense of urgency and more robust budget for land conservation.

• Recent measures advanced by the Legislature convey a recognition of the fundamental importance of land conservation to the preservation of our state’s natural heritage, water resources, thriving economy and enviable quality of life.

• The Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands Protection programs are complementary programs capable of securing the lands necessary to protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor and other vulnerable lands through a strategic combination of fee-title acquisitions and conservation easement purchases.

• Please ensure the level of funding for land conservation is commensurate with the urgency of the moment by dedicating $300 million to each program – Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands.

You can reach Representative Leek at [email protected], or by phone at (850)717-5028. It would be especially helpful for members who reside in North Volusia County. Rep Leek’s district, to contact him. You can contact Senator Broxson at [email protected] or by phone at (850) 487-5001. Senator Broxson’s district encompasses Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Even if you do not reside in the districts of these leaders, it is important to for you to contact them. Their decisions on land conservation funding will affect all of us!