Backup Documents 09/29/2009 Item # 4H
PROCLAMA TION
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WHEREAS, the Big Cypress National Preserve was established by an Act of the United States
Congress to preserve and protect natural scenic, hydrologic, floral, faunal, and
recreational values of the Big Cypress Watershed: and,
WHEREAS, the State of Florida was a major partner with the Federal Government in the
acquisition of the lands that comprise the Addition: and,
WHEREAS, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has created a resolution regarding
the draft general management plan for the Big Cypress National Preserve Addition,'
and,
WHEREAS, we applaud elements of the draft General Management Plan that provides a diversity
of public access and recreation that includes a designated trail system that will
support enjoyment of these lands by the public: and,
WHEREAS, we express strong concern that the wilderness designation would unnecessarily hinder
natural resource management including control of invasive exotic species and
maintenance of native fish and wildlife habitats: and,
WHEREAS, we express strong COnctIfYI that the proposed wilderness designation and primitive
backcountry managtlllrMt zones as proposed in the draft General Management Plan
alternatives would fIt1t provide necessary flexibility ftN' management of public access
and would result in restrictions on public access ttHJ far below appropriate and
sustainable levels,. and,
WHEREAS, we hereby urge the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service to
incorporate rectJ1Mlendations regarding the draft General Management Plan for the
Addition into the final Record of Decision to include removal of proposed wilderness
designation and primitive backcountry management zones: and,
WHEREAS, these acts of Congress or of implementing federal laws call for the National Park
Service to cOlf$ll/t with the State of Florida prior to implementation of regulations
restricting activitieS: and,
WHEREAS, these acts of Congrus or implementing of federal laws require that any action by the
National Park Service to control tN' limit the use of motorized vehicles must be
reasonable, equitable, and Justified in """"S of public enjoyment and important
resource protection.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that we support public access to the Big Cypress National Preserve Addition
and oppose the proposed wilderness designation.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 29th Day of September, 2009.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
ATTEST: