State Takes Hands Off Honeymoon Island (from Dunedin Patch)
DEP secretary writes letter backing off.
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/state-takes-hands-off-honeymoon-island
Florida Department of Environmental Protection scrapped its plan to allow recreational camping on Honeymoon Island late Friday.
"The message was heard loud and clear," Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) said, moments after receiving a letter from DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard. "I'm very pleased."
The controversial plan to open 17.5 acres of Honeymoon Island State Park for RV use met staunch, swift resistance from Dunedin residents as soon as it came to public light. The DEP was criticized for blindsiding stakeholders in a rushed process and for inadequate consideration to the island's fragile ecosystem.
It embroiled citizens and drew unprecedented numbers — an estimated 1,200 people — to a public hearing with DEP on July 5. Hundreds of residents, state and local officials, a state-appointed advisory group and the City of Dunedin unanimously rejected the DEP plan for 45 RV campsites.
Herschel's letter to Fasano states:
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/state-takes-hands-off-honeymoon-island
"The message was heard loud and clear," Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) said, moments after receiving a letter from DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard. "I'm very pleased."
The controversial plan to open 17.5 acres of Honeymoon Island State Park for RV use met staunch, swift resistance from Dunedin residents as soon as it came to public light. The DEP was criticized for blindsiding stakeholders in a rushed process and for inadequate consideration to the island's fragile ecosystem.
It embroiled citizens and drew unprecedented numbers — an estimated 1,200 people — to a public hearing with DEP on July 5. Hundreds of residents, state and local officials, a state-appointed advisory group and the City of Dunedin unanimously rejected the DEP plan for 45 RV campsites.
Herschel's letter to Fasano states:
"The Department recognizes that adding amenities in state parks should be a citizen-supported effort and should not appear rushed. Going forward, we will be taking a different approach and I have asked staff to meet with local communities, state park citizen support organizations and other park stakeholders before formally proposing the addition of amenities or services, including family camping, at any of our state parks."The plan was next to appear in August before the DEP Aqcuisition and Restoration Council, a 10-member review group in place to review and evaluate management plans such as the one proposed for Honeymoon Island. The group is made up of representatives from the governor's office and at least four state agencies.
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/state-takes-hands-off-honeymoon-island
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