Support of Park Addition
The article published June 5 was very informative regarding the proposed addition to the Oscar Scherer State Recreation Area. The environmental significance of this of this parcel can hardly be overemphasized. This is the last opportunity Sarasota County has to preserve a representative “scrubby flatwoods” habitat capable of sustaining viable populations of scrub endemic species, and quite possibly the last chance for the entire southwest coast of Florida.
This aspect of the article was appropriate: however, I got the impression that the environmentalists and conservationist were in direct competition with the developers. Realizing that this is not going to make for sensational news, I feel it is important to emphasize that the Palmer Ranch developers have been working in cooperation with the environmental community to create a joint effort to secure state funds for the public acquisition of these environmentally sensitive lands.
Sarasota County is blessed with an abundance of natural resources; they play an instrumental role in attracting out-of-state monies to the area. To jeopardize these resources is to endanger potential income. The “Oscar Scherer State Recreation Area Addition” is a perfect example of when the development and conservation elements work together for a mutually beneficial goal: Palmer Ranch gets a fair price for its land; environmentalist preserves endangered species habitat; and, the residents of Sarasota acquire additional open space.
This land acquisition would be the only one of its kind located in a Sarasota County. Write to: Dr. O. Greg Brock, Division of Land Acquisition, Suite B114, Box 58, 2639 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Thanks to the thousands who have showed their support thus far.