GOOD NEWS, TREE HUGGERS!

As I posted in a few earlier blogs here, here and here, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection was “in the process of assessing a multitude of land parcels that are ‘no longer needed for conservation purposes’ for possible sale.”  Two parcels of land in Oleta River State Park was being reviewed for surplussing.  It now appears that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has taken Oleta State River Park off the chopping block.

I was first alerted of the possibility that this occurred by North Miami Councilwoman Carol Keys two days ago, when she noticed that the DEP’s website stated “*Locations in red denote that the site has been removed from consideration after initial review.”  Ms. Keys then noted that the line for Oleta was one of the parks listed in red letters.

That same day, I received an email from North Miami activist Ellen Abramson, who also made the same observation, but wanted confirmation from the State before breathing a sigh of relief.

Stress no more, Tree Huggers!  I just received the following email from County Commissioner Sally Heyman:

Stephanie, my office has been monitoring this issue since it was listed, along with others.  Last week the two Oleta parcels were removed from the list.  My office has confirmed with DEP in Tallahassee, and thru a live administrator that Oleta parcels have been removed from surplus-to-sell, list.  They remain state pretty and protected.  This was also confirmed with the Oleta park manager.  Please pass along and thank those for watching and rallying to protect our mangroves.

Commissioner Sally Heyman

How cool is that?

You should all give yourselves a round of applause for doing your part to save the environment in our little corner of the world – one tree at a time.  Your efforts did not go unnoticed and they are truly appreciated.  You should be very proud of yourselves.

Congratulations!

Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”