EcoAction Alert

We’ve received numerous emails, texts, and calls about the proposed Withlacoochee State Forest golf course land swap. It is thrilling to know we have so many members concerned about this issue and ready to take action. FNPS President Gene Kelly made a field visit to the 324-acre Withlacoochee State Forest parcel with another local biologist last weekend and has been reviewing GIS data and other relevant information about the two parcels since we first heard about the proposed land swap. From our preliminary assessment of the issue, we don't believe there is a valid basis for finding that this parcel of the Withlacoochee State Forest lacks conservation value. We doubt this land swap proposal is justified and the issue is not on the upcoming September 12th Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) meeting agenda.

We are actively working on this issue in partnership with an alliance of conservation organizations, and are poised to take strategic action on your behalf.  We remain ready to issue a formal Action Alert if and when necessary.  While we share your sense of urgency, we do not have to act with the same immediacy required by the attack on our state parks. The state is well aware of the public’s disgust with the ongoing assault on our conservation lands and the weight of your support buoys our ability to influence the final outcome of this proposal.  Please stand ready for future action.