Agenda 10/28/2014 Item # 4E10/28/2014 4.E.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Forty years ago, on ,Qctober 11, 1974, President Gera /d Ford signed the bill establishing the Big
/'IN Cypress fttmwl Pmwwe as the first Rhona/ Presenwe in the /Ur hma/ Parks System; and
WHEREAS, The Big 4yaress Aabtnonal Preserve enconpasses the most biologically diverse regime of Me
terrestrial Eveerg/ades and comprises 729, 01010 Acres of freshwater swamp supporting the rich
marine estuaries a /mg Florida's southwest coast and includes cypress forest, mangroves, prairies,
and a mixftre of tropical and temperate plant conwa t/es and a diversity of wildlife; and
WHEREAS, The creation of the Bt Cypress ANbtiona/ Preserve, a new coxept, aiwas possible only through the
eooperatiw efforts of many individuals, mrynnisahons, agencies, and advocacy groups to ensure
that the Big Cypress Swamp would be protected and ei{ joyed 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, hydro logic, flora/ and
fauna /, 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, 77e Pmwwc has a duo/ mission: to peswwe and protect this resource and to provide for the
cmntainuation of sustainable traditraa d uses by the public, inn /siding the A/icconAae, Semaw/e, and
Traditional people, hunters, angers, off -road vehicle (Mg asps, and private property owners, and
WHEREAS, With over 1 mil /ion visitors to the Big Cypress National Preserve anma / /y, South Florida's national
park areas improve the quality of life for everyone by protecting the emriroament, building the
economy, and providing q portunities for visitors and residents to experience, learn about, and
appreciate the greater Big Cypress and Everglades ecosystems, and A ar people and families to get
outdoors and enjoy nat t re, and,
WHEREAS, The Celebration of the Big Cypress National Preserve will inspire a// people to experience and
convect with this national treasure and to appreciate the innomative MoWht, leadership, and
cooperation that resulted in the conscious preservation of the /and 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
40'* ANNIVERSARY OF BI6 CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 28th Day of October, 2014
n
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION afERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
TOM HEAtAirw, CHAIRMAN
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10/28/2014 4.E.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 4A.E.
Item Summary: Proclamation designating October 2014 as the 40th Anniversary of the
Big Cypress National Preserve to be accepted by Pedro Ramos, Big Cypress National Preserve
Superintendent. Sponsored by Commissioner Nance.
Meeting Date: 10/28/2014
Prepared By
Name: SmithCamden
Title: Executive Coordinator to Commissioner,
10/21/2014 5:09:24 PM
Approved By
Name: DurhamTim
Title: Executive Manager of Corp Business Ops,
Date: 10/22/2014 7:10:20 AM
Name: DurhamTim
Title: Executive Manager of Corp Business Ops,
Date: 1 0/22/2014 7:32:15 AM
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