Why we need to renew the Land and Water Conservation Fund

South Florida’s incredible wild lands and waters  are connected by an important, but not often heralded program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which may soon disappear.

Congress created this program more than 50 years ago and it has provided over $1 billion for acquisition and restoration projects to protect Florida’s outdoor places. Over $220 million has been provided for restoration of Everglades National Park as well as many projects protecting water resources and improving habitat in Big Cypress National Preserve.

The Land and Water Conservation does much more closer to home. It funds city parks, fishing piers, boat ramps and baseball fields. Some examples of projects that have received funding in Collier County are Fleishman Park, East Naples Community Park and Caxambas Pass Park. In Lee County, Imperial River boat ramp, Caloosahatchee Creek Preserve and  Sanibel Freshwater Recreation Area.

Why does this matter to me and many others? As a young man, I was fortunate to experience South Florida in a more natural state as I grew up exploring our wild areas. As a former land surveyor, charter captain an avid sportsman, I have been fortunate to be able to enjoy the incredible beauty and ecological diversity  of the Big Cypress, the Everglades and the Florida Keys.

These areas have been near and dear to me and my family for many years and I am honored to have worked alongside many conservationists to restore and protect  our remaining wild areas that have been degraded over the last hundred years.  

I have been fortunate to introduce the cypress and glades country to many visitors as a fishing and ecotour guide. I have volunteered over the years to take conservationists, elected officials and families with children into the Big Cypress, Ten Thousands, Everglades National Park and the Fakahatchee.

Without fail, once they experience the back country of these incredibly important natural areas, that knowledge transforms their understanding of the vital importance of protecting and maintaining these natural wonders that protect our water supply and provide much needed outdoor escapes for birding, fishing, hunting and just plain relaxing in a natural setting.

We are going through a tough time as we deal with the devastating red tides and algae blooms due to long time and continuing water-quality issues in South Florida. These trials are testing our resolve and are adversely affecting our fishing and tourism economies. We all need to get involved in seeking solutions. It’s that important. 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund, if renewed and funded on Sept. 30, can help lessen the problems we face by providing essential funds to protect habitat, ensure healthier ecosystems and protect our outdoor and tourism economy.

The outdoor recreation economy in Florida generates $58.6 billion annually. This outdoor economy supports 485,000 jobs, which generate  $17.9 billion in wages and salaries and add $ 3.6 billion to the local and state tax base.

Our time is pivotal, as the Land and Water Conservation Fund is set to expire. Time is short. Please contact  our members of Congress  and tell them to get to work reauthorizing and fully funding this vital program. I hope they listen to us.

Franklin Adams has spent decades as a conservationist , educator and guide in the Everglades, Ten Ten Thousand Islands and Big Cypress country. He is a board member of the Florida Wildlife Federation.