Resolution 2007-087
RESOLUTION NO. 2007- 87
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTING ADDITIONAL
FUNDING FOR FLORIDA FOREVER AND THE
CREA TION OF A SUCCESSOR PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Florida Forever program and its predecessor Preservation 2000 program
have immeasurably contributed to environmental health, quality of life, recreation, and
sustainability in Florida for this and future generations; and
WHEREAS, Florida Forever has acquired over one million acres throughout Florida
since 2000 and allocates $300 million annually to purchase and restore environmentally sensitive
and outdoor recreation lands through numerous successful partnerships with cities, counties,
state agencies, water management districts, nonprofit organizations, private landowners, and
others in achieving its conservation purposes; and
WHEREAS, Florida Forever produces benefits that include clean air and water; healthy
fisheries and wildlife habitat; enhanced water supply protection; and protection of open spaces
including greenways, recreational and park lands, forests, and water bodies; and
WHEREAS, Florida Forever, through the Florida Communities Trust, has assisted
Florida's cities and counties in protecting their cultural and historical resources and provided
recreational outdoor experiences in both urban and rural settings; and
WHEREAS, Florida Forever has helped to save many of Florida's beaches, rivers, bays,
forests, coral reefs and estuaries that provide the foundation for Florida's $3 billion tourism
industry that attracts more than 80 million visitors each year; and
WHEREAS, thirty Florida local governments have enacted land acquisition financing
programs in the past decades, and these conservation programs serve to leverage Florida Forever
funding and increase the impact of State land conservation funding; and
WHEREAS, research by the Florida Forever Coalition has found that well in excess of
$10 billion in State funding is currently needed to purchase wildlife and wilderness areas, parks
and open space for our state's ecological sustainability and increasing human population; and
WHEREAS, a 2005 public opinion survey conducted by the Florida Forever Coalition
found that 78% of Florida's voters approve of the Florida Forever program; and
WHEREAS, Florida Forever has protected several ecologically important natural areas
within Collier County including Belle Meade and lands within the Corkscrew Regional
Ecosystem Watershed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that:
The Commission supports increases in the current spending allowance and future funding
allocated to Florida Forever.
The Commission declares its support to the State of Florida Legislature for the creation
and funding of a successor program to the Florida Forever program
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The Chairman is authorized to send letters to the legislative delegation relaying this
Resolution and advocating additional funding for Florida Forever, as well as the creation and
funding of a successor program to Florida Forever.
This Resolution shall be effective upon adoption.
This Resolution adopted this 10th day of April, 2007, after motion, second and majority
vote.
ATTEST:
DWIGHTE BROCK, CLERK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
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Attest a,"to .aaal..... s
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JAMIfB'tOLETTA, CHAIRMAN
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency:
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David C, Weigel
County Attorney
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