Backup Documents 10/28/2014 Item # 4E PROCLAMATION 4E
WHEREAS, Forty years ago, on October 11, 1974, President Gerald Ford signed the bill establishing the Big
Cypress National Preserve as the first National Preserve in the National Parks System; and
WHEREAS, The Big Cypress National Preserve encompasses the most biologically diverse region of the
terrestrial Everglades and comprises 729,000 Acres of freshwater swamp supporting the rich
marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast and includes cypress forest, mangroves, prairies,
and a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities and a diversity of wildlife; and
WHEREAS, The creation of the Big Cypress National Preserve, a new concept, was possible only through the
cooperative efforts of many individuals, organizations, agencies, and advocacy groups to ensure
that the Big Cypress Swamp would be protected and enjoyed for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, In establishing the Big Cypress National Preserve, Congress defined the Preserve's purpose as to
"assure the preservation, conservation and protection of the natural, scenic, hydrologic, floral and
faunal, and recreational values of the Big Cypress Watershed in the state of Florida and to
provide for the enhancement and public safety thereof,'"and,
WHEREAS, The Preserve has a dual mission: to preserve and protect this resource and to provide for the
continuation of sustainable traditional uses by the public, including the Miccosukee, Seminole, and
Traditional people, hunters, anglers, off-road vehicle (ORV) users, and private property owners; and
WHEREAS, With over 1 million visitors to the Big Cypress National Preserve annually, South Florida's national
park areas improve the quality of life for everyone by protecting the environment, building the
economy, and providing opportunities for visitors and residents to experience, learn about, and
appreciate the greater Big Cypress and Everglades ecosystems, and for people and families to get
outdoors and enjoy nature; and,
WHEREAS, The Celebration of the Big Cypress National Preserve will inspire all people to experience and
connect with this national treasure and to appreciate the innovative thought, leadership, and
cooperation that resulted in the conscious preservation of the land and its flora, fauna, cultures,
and recreation for all mankind in perpetuity.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that October 2014 be designated as
40th ANNIVERSARY OF BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 28th Day of October, 2014
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Ji COLLIER CpUNTY, ORIDA
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M I" J () TOM HENNING, CHAIRMAN
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