Coldwell Banker Commercial Benchmark

9/2/12

The current issue of the Florida Forestry Assn. has an editorial that should induce people to use the state's parks. Last year, 24.9 million visited or hiked in the varied parks, 700,000 than last year.

Read the following:

24.9 Million Visitors: Greenways, Parks, Trails

Published: Friday, August 31, 2012 at 12:17 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 31, 2012 at 12:17 a.m.

Page 1 of 2

The folks over at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were positively bragging this month, and you can't blame them.

In 2011, the DEP announced this month, 24.9 million people visited the state's parks, or used its greenways and trails.

That's 700,000 more visitors than the previous year.

"Florida state parks and trails are affordable, safe places for families and friends to enjoy and learn about Florida's diverse natural resources," said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. "More and more Floridians and visitors from all over the world are looking to state parks and trails for activities and adventures for all interests. From fishing and canoeing, hiking and touring a historic landmark, our 171 park properties have it all and so much more, any time of the year."

There's no arguing with that. Florida's state parks and recreational trail system are among the nation's best. The people who come here from around the county to visit them spend money and contribute mightily to the state's economy.

And here's the thing. They are able to do so because generations of Floridians had the foresight to invest in the purchase and preservation of irreplaceable slices of natural Florida — unspoiled beaches, clear blue springs, primitive wetlands and wild uplands.

ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS

Unfortunately, that investment has all but come to a screeching halt in recent years. And some of the state's most treasured parks are showing signs of deterioration as overstressed springs and waterways begin to run dry, grow more polluted and are threatened by encroaching development and harmful agricultural uses

Page 2 of 2

The folks over at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were positively bragging this month, and you can't blame them.

In 2011, the DEP announced this month, 24.9 million people visited the state's parks, or used its greenways and trails.

That's 700,000 more visitors than the previous year.

"Florida state parks and trails are affordable, safe places for families and friends to enjoy and learn about Florida's diverse natural resources," said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. "More and more Floridians and visitors from all over the world are looking to state parks and trails for activities and adventures for all interests. From fishing and canoeing, hiking and touring a historic landmark, our 171 park properties have it all and so much more, any time of the year."

There's no arguing with that. Florida's state parks and recreational trail system are among the nation's best. The people who come here from around the county to visit them spend money and contribute mightily to the state's economy.

And here's the thing. They are able to do so because generations of Floridians had the foresight to invest in the purchase and preservation of irreplaceable slices of natural Florida — unspoiled beaches, clear blue springs, primitive wetlands and wild uplands.

ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS

Unfortunately, that investment has all but come to a screeching halt in recent years. And some of the state's most treasured parks are showing signs of deterioration as overstressed springs and waterways begin to run dry, grow more polluted and are threatened by encroaching development and harmful agricultural uses.

Florida's increasingly popular parks and greenways are themselves the best arguments for continued investment in unspoiled lands and important water preservation areas.

This month a coalition of environmental groups launched a state petition drive for a proposed state constitutional amendment that, if passed, would earmark one-third of the state's excise tax on documents for the continued purchase of environmentally significant lands.

If successful, the Florida Water and Land Legacy Campaign will raise $10 billion over the next two decades in order to continue the state's multi-generational investment.

This year 25 million people flocked to Florida's parks and trails.

Imagine how many will come in 2032 to spend quality time, and money, in even more slices of unspoiled Florida.

Henry Rogers, CCIM, ALC

Coldwell Banker Commercial Benchmark

904-421-8537