Florida Forever Statement of The Nature Conservancy

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLORIDA — May 6, 2009 — The Nature Conservancy would like to recognize and thank the efforts of the Florida Senate to address the funding of Florida Forever during these difficult economic times. We would particularly like to thank the leadership of Senate President Jeff Atwater and the creativity and persistence of Senators J.D. Alexander, Carey Baker, Al Lawson, and Dan Gelber for their efforts to fund Florida Forever through the closure of the Crescent loophole in Senate Bill 2430 and to ensure that current bond authority for the program is protected. We would also like to acknowledge the commitment of Gov. Charlie Crist to the Florida Forever program demonstrated by his efforts to fund the program during the regular legislative session and his veto of Florida Forever cuts during the January special session.

During final budget negotiations, when the House declined to accept Senate Florida Forever and Everglades funding language in SB 2430 and HB 55, the Senate proposed providing $25 million for Florida Forever and $25 million for Everglades Restoration. This eventually led to $50 million of funding for the Everglades which will further important Everglades Restoration work in the Northern Everglades region. Unfortunately, Florida Forever did not receive new bond authority in the 2009 budget.

While we are disappointed that Florida Forever did not receive new funding for 2009, it is important to acknowledge that the Florida Forever program will continue because of the efforts of the Legislature to ensure that the existing $250 million of bond authority can be issued and spent. Moreover, we are hopeful that the documentary stamp loophole fix in SB 2430 and an improving economy will set the stage for full Florida Forever funding next year.

“We challenge and are committed to working with the leadership of both chambers during the 2010 session to fully fund the most successful land acquisition program in the country, funding that 67 percent of Floridians support,” said Jeff Danter, The Nature Conservancy’s Florida director.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.