ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY

Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ballot Question

On August 26 the voters of Flagler county have to decide whether to continue to fund the Environmentally Sensitive Lands program. This is not a new tax (it has been around since 1988) and the rate is unchanged from the previous 20 year period. It just needs to be renewed.

Up to now this program has been a GREAT SUCCESS . Even during a period of incredible growth for Flagler County the County Commission showed great leadership and brought many true environmental jewels under protection from development. Among the greatest Jewels are the Princess Place Preserve, Betty Steflik Park, Longs Landing, Bings Landing and most recently the Linear Park and St Joe walkway (recently awarded the prestigious designation of a Great Florida Birding Trail.)

We cannot (and should not) aim to protect 100% of Flagler County or shut out new development. We should however ensure that we have an integrated environment where birds and animals have a clean healthy environment with trees and water that can coexist with the new development. Good environmental codes from our planners will ensure that development will be separateble from natural areas. We ned to provide funds so that they can  buy and put aside the pristine natural areas and interconnecting corridors that are needed for the whole ecosystem to work together.

Flagler Audubon strongly recommends that you vote YES on this proposition on August 26th. There will be no increase in spending over today. No jobs can be saved by cutting this funding. If we cut this spending then we risk creating a South Florida strip mall style environment in our own back yard.

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