The National Park Service (NPS) has recently released four new alternatives, which are being presented to the public as options and the basis of the development of the Everglades National Park General Management Plan (GMP). As a result of the public comment process the NPS will develop a Preferred Alternative. The four alternatives range from Alternative 1 which will continue the current management to Alternative 4 which set up huge pole and troll zones, has deleted several channels presently in use by anglers and establishes several no motor zones. It is imperative that if you have any interest in continuing to fish in the Everglades National Park that you read these alternatives and submit your comments! Note: Written comments are being accepted, but it is strongly recommended that you attend one of these meetings in person and make your comments known to the Park!.
CCA Florida is presently able to only support Alternative 1 among the Alternatives that have been presented.
CCA Florida strongly urges the Park to use education, signage, cooperation and increased law enforcement as alternatives to exclusionary management when the Park establishes its long term management plan.
While there are elements of Alternatives 2 and possibly 3 that may be acceptable, the Park has failed to incorporate elements that were suggested by many in the public hearings regarding the 2007 Alternatives and the Park Service must provide additional information with regard to certain elements of the other Alternatives.
Specifically CCA Florida is concerned that several commonly used and historic channels have been deleted in Alternatives 2, 3 & 4. These channels are essential to access and should be maintained.
The Pole & Troll Zones in Alternative 2 & 3 lack reasonable access corridors, some are 5 miles wide and will become "de facto" no motor zones.
An alternate Wilderness Waterway has been proposed, but is unnecessary, closes several areas to motor boats and needs clarification. There is no justification for an alternative wilderness waterway, the present waterway system is not broken and the operational and maintenance costs should be allocated to more appropriate resource protection issues.
Alternative #4 is unacceptable due to the huge pole & troll zones and denial of access to anglers.
Please visit ccaflorida.org for full comments and recommendations.
YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO ATTEND ONE!
The NPS will begin each meeting with informal discussions among the public and park staff at 5:30p.m., followed by a 6:00p.m., presentation by the National Park Service and a formal public comment period. If you are unable to attend one of these meetings you may submit your comments by going to nps.gov/ever and clicking on the "General Management Plan" link.
Monday April 13, 2009
Key Largo Holiday Inn
99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL
Tuesday April 14, 2009
John D. Campbell Agricultural Center
18710 SW 288th St. Homestead, FL
Wednesday April 15, 2009
IGFA
7007 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples, FL
Thursday April 16, 2009
Edison College Building J
300 Gulfstream Way, Dania Bch, FL
