Jeb Bush, Governor
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Dear Governor Bush:
I find it necessary to inform you of a
very serious problem concerning our Florida Everglades. One of the worlds
natural wonders is now on the drawing board to be destroyed forever.
The Everglades
restudy team has taken on itself to destroy a vast area lying north of Tamiami
Trail (Highway 41). Before their plans are completed and written into law, as
Governor I believe it paramount that you address this. problem.
I have sent you two letters, one on
1-21-99 and 3-2-99, concerning this problem. These letters are attached along
with a news article written 10-27,1979. If we can not learn by the history of
destruction it is only evident that it will repeat itself.
Conservation groups of South Florida
have been fighting this battle for 33 years and are loosing to the politicians
who are not concerned of the destruction of The Everglades, but what benefits
them personally.
Large portions of The Everglades
hammocks'(Area 2) have been completely destroyed. Area 3 is now being destroyed
because of very high water tables. The deer herd was over 10,000, today the
count is about 53.
You do not have to be a rocket scientist
to see that continued flooded conditions have killed off trees, plants, fish, birds
and most all mammals.
The restudy team is requesting 8.4
billion dollars only to destroy a big section of The Everglades by continuing
to flood out all dry ground within its boundaries.
The water depth should not exceed 15
inches. The restudy team is setting 30 inches or more in depth, which will
destroy all hammocks and dry islands leaving no place for the wildlife to
exist. Science, proven facts, history and common sense are now loosing out
again to politics.
The Game &
Fresh Water Fish Commission and The Florida Marine Patrol are now combined in
what was expected to be a great force movement to protect Florida's fish and
wildlife. "WHAT A JOKE". The
newly appointed agency The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
is not representing the trees, plants, birds, fish and wildlife, but
recommending 30 inches or more of water is two times than The Everglades
ecosystem should sustain. The new agency has gave way to the clout of The US
Army Corp of Engineers and The South Florida Water Management District. This
water table recommendation was a great shock and let down to individuals that
are acquainted with the natural Everglades ecosystem.
It appears that the word Everglades was
an effective way to make a great sales pitch for 8.4 billion dollars for the
Army Corp of Engineers. In this modern day of agencies and there advancement,
who are we to turn to, to protect our fish, wildlife and ecosystem?
The 8.4 billion dollars to save The
Everglades (a worlds natural wonder) is a wonderful investment for future
generations to enjoy. The procedures which are now taking place, we can only
see its destruction forever. The accountability should be addressed.
Individuals or agencies are never held accountable for serious mistakes,
therefore business goes on as usual followed by destruction.
In 1955 when I became employed by The
Game & Fish Commission, I was requested to take an Oath to Protect The
State of Florida's natural resources, this included birds, fish, wildlife,
plant life and the ecosystem. I cannot turn my head or ignore the procedures
which are taking place. Governor Bush, without your leadership to truly save
The Everglades it will be lost forever.
If I can assist you
in any manner please do not hesitate to call on me.
Sincerely Yours,
Tom
Shirley
Tom Shirley
5120 SW 172 Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33331
954-434-8416
CC: Frank R. Finch
S.F.W.M.D.
Christ Mc Voy
S.F.W.M.D.
Col. M. Robson F.F.W.C.C.
Lorraine Heisler
F.F.W.C.C.
Steve Coughlin
F.F.W.C.C.
