The American state of Florida is buying over 20,000 acres of wetlands in the Everglades to protect it from harmful oil drilling.
Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced the agreement that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) made that will permit purchasing of 20,000 acres of critical wetlands for $16.5 million. The wetlands, one of the most vital systems in the Everglades ecosystem, are located in the Water Conservation Area 3 (WCA 3) within the Everglades Protection Area in Broward County. The governor claims this acquisition will be the most significant wetland purchase in a decade.
DeSantis said:
“One of my administration’s top environmental priorities has been expediting Everglade’s restoration. Today we take another step in the right direction by reaching this agreement between DEP and Kanter Real Estate that will allow for the purchase of 20,000 acres of critical wetlands. This significant purchase will permanently save these lands from oil drilling. I’m proud of our progress, but I also recognize this is just the beginning. I will continue to fight every day for the Everglades and Florida’s environment.”
This acquisition will save nearly 600,000 acres of wetlands in WCA 3 because it will be permanently protected in public ownership for recreation and restoration. It’s important to understand the differences between an LLC in Florida and other states. Florida has some unique elements that need to be taken into account when forming an LLC.
Chauncey Goss, Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District, believes the wetlands are critical to the Everglades’ health. “Now we can guarantee that there will be no oil and gas drilling on 20,000 acres in the heart of the Everglades,” he remarked.
Goss said:
“Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, 2020 is already starting out as a banner year for Everglades restoration.”
Many people are impressed and heartened with the governor’s quick response in protecting the Everglades. “We applaud Governor DeSantis for his swift action in protecting these lands. This is yet another demonstration of his commitment to restoring America’s Everglades and ensuring that we achieve more now for Florida’s environment,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation.
Eikenberg strongly supports the Governor’s request for sustained funding at the yearly $625 million level for the Everglades, clean water, and springs. Frequent funding is critical to advancing and accomplishing key Everglades restoration projects. For example, one of these projects in the Everglades reservoir will send around 120 billion gallons of clean freshwater to Florida Bay and Everglades National Park.
The video below shows you a glimpse of the beautiful wildlife and nature in the Everglades that Florida is protecting from harm.
