By Fort Myers News-Press
02/28/08

It's welcome news that Estero Bay and some sensitive wetlands in southeast Lee County have been give top priority in a state conservation land-buying program that is running out of money.

The bad news is that the program, Florida Forever, is running out of money, and will expire in 2010.

This program has saved some 500,000 acres of natural space in the state, protecting it for public recreation, water and wildlife conservation and as a buffer for important state waters.

In the case of Estero Bay, much endangered by heavy development on its periphery, about 8,000 acres have been purchased of the 14,000 targeted to buffer the bay from polluted runoff and other impacts.

In the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, 45,000 acres remain to be purchased for a 69,000-acre system that, among other things, will safeguard drinking water supplies.

But only 21 of the 62 projects on the Florida Forever A-list made the cut with Estero Bay and CREW.

One in three is a disappointing ratio - and another 44 projects are on the B-list.

We recognize that when money is tight, it is not enough just to plead for the salvation of every attractive program. Choices have to be made. One thing saved means another program, probably also a good one, gets cut.

We are not in a position yet to say what we'd cut to renew Florida Forever if it comes to that.

But we know that once preservation-worthy land has been developed, its natural value is lost, or at least severely compromised, as is its recreational value to the general public.

Just as important is its economic value. This is tricky. Development seems at first to enhance the value of land. The investment is reflected in an increased tax base for public purposes. Businesses get revenue, people get jobs.

But what is lost economically when when the natural health of treasures like Estero Bay is destroyed? Taxes, business revenues and jobs, because the bay is part of a coastal ecosystem that generates billions for tourism, including eco-tourism, for commercial and recreational fishing interests, for boating and other water sports - the whole banquet of economic activities that depend on a healthy coastal environment.

If we do not protect wetlands like those east of I-75 or the buffer that can keep Estero Bay alive, we will throw all this away for a few more condos.

We will be losing long-run value for short-term gain, the ultimate Florida land scam.

State Sen. Burt Saunders, R-Naples, who chairs the Senate environment committee, is working on legislation to extend the program.

We may need innovations, such as paying farmers not to develop their land, in return for some public access.

Urge our leaders in Tallahassee to renew or replace Florida Forever, to save what we still can of Florida, forever.
 

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