Golf courses in Florida state parks?
US Congressman Brian Mast speaks about golf course proposals at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Editor’s note: After the Flagler of Stuart decided Friday not to host the DEP’s public meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday due to “safety concerns,” the DEP postponed all meetings across the state and said it is looking for larger venues “due to overwhelming interest.” Stay tuned for a new date, time and location.
According to U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, none of the seven people deciding on the construction of three golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park will attend a public meeting on the issue in Stuart on Tuesday.
The Treasure Coast congressman called on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to require the attendance of all voting members of the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC).
“The absence of ARC members from this public hearing will deprive them of the opportunity to hear from the actual public about the impact their decision will have on our community,” Mast said in a press release Thursday. “It also makes it seem like a box-checking exercise for citizens who deserve to have their voices heard by actual decision makers.”
DEP will unveil its Great Outdoors Initiative on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at The Flagler of Stuart, 201 SW Flagler Ave.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park: Residents fight against golf courses in the Great Outdoors Initiative
Read U.S. Rep. Brian Mast’s full letter below:
Who are the DEP ARC members?
The DEP’s website says the 10 members represent four state agencies, four governor appointees, a representative of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and a representative of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. However, three positions appear to be vacant.
“ARC is responsible for evaluating, selecting and ranking state land acquisition projects on the Florida Forever priority list, as well as reviewing management plans and land uses for all state conservation areas,” the website states.
The seven members and their deputies are listed here:
- DEP Secretary and ARC Chair Shawn Hamilton, who named Deputy Minister of Lands and Recreation Mara Gambineri as his deputy
- William Palmer, president of the Tall Timbers Research Station, an organization dedicated to wildlife research and conservation. He has degrees in zoology and wildlife science and works to restore grassland habitats on 100,000 acres of public lands in Florida. He is the author of numerous articles on Virginia quail, wild turkeys, and the impact of controlled fires on southern forests.
- Roger Young, Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, appointed his deputy Chief Conservation Officer George Warthen
- Rick Dolan, director of the Florida Forest Service
- Alissa Lotane, director of the Florida Division of Historical Resources and state historic preservation officer
- Lynetta Usher Griner, executive of Usher Land and Timber Co., former member of the Florida Forever Advisory Council and the Suwannee River Water Management District Board of Directors, and current member of the Fanning Springs State Park Citizens’ Aid Organization.
- Elva Peppers, president of Florida Environmental & Land Services Inc. and former DEP employee, now helps agencies, municipalities and private clients develop projects.
Cheryl Smith is TCPalm’s Environment Editor. You can reach her at [email protected].
