Charles Pattison, President of 1000 Friends of Florida and a Florida Forever Coalition Steering Committee member, was published in the Miami Herald this week. In “Fund Florida Forever” Charles comments,
…Florida Forever and the complementary land-conservation programs of local, federal and nonprofit partners represent a market-based, nonregulatory approach to protecting special places critical to the environment and quality of life in Florida. This program and its predecessor programs have received the unwavering support of many elected leaders from both political parties. In fact, four of Florida’s outstanding former governors are honorary co-chairs of the Florida Forever Coalition: Ruben Askew, Bob Graham, Bob Martinez and Jeb Bush.
To be blunt, land conservation is simply good business. Protecting environmental lands, whether through outright purchase or easement, supports almost every aspect of Florida’s economy, from job creation to real estate to recreation. In 2007, hunting, fishing and wildlife watching supported 120,000 jobs. Every 1,000 people visiting a state park on average spent $43,400 in the host community. More than 90 percent of Florida’s tourism leaders agree that the conservation of Florida’s natural and historical assets is necessary for the long-term success of their business. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the outdoor recreation business in Florida is an $8.1 billion industry — others put the figure higher at $11.6 billion….