Do the reports address the need for land management funding?
No and Yes. There are major continuing costs for invasive species control, creation and maintenance of public access on public lands, timber harvest management, and other land management practices. The Nature Conservancy’s “Protecting Wild Florida” report does not include those needs and focuses on land acquisition for wildlife and habitat in the face of rapid development and increasing land values. At the same time, “Florida Parks in the 21st Century” includes a figure of $1.9 billion for park renovation and repair. This category is the funding needed to provide and improve public enjoyment of local parks. Do the reports address Everglades restoration? No. “Protecting Wild Florida” includes land acquisition that is identified as necessary to preserve habitat, hydrology, and ecosystem function for Everglades ecosystem restoration. The full funding needed for all aspects of Everglades restoration, however, is not included. What are the past accomplishments of Florida Forever and its pre
