Support the Sugar Deal
To the editor:
As a newer resident to South West Florida one of the greatest joys I have found is the beauty of our natural environment. However, one of my greatest concerns is that we are not doing all we can to protect this amazing gift.
The Everglades are in danger, we all know this is a problem, but there is a viable solution on the table: the pending purchase by the State of Florida of nearly 200,000 acres of land owned by the US Sugar Corporation (a.k.a. “the sugar deal.”) Acquiring this enormous expanse of real estate offers water managers the opportunity and flexibility to store and clean water to protect Florida’s coastal estuaries. This effort will benefit South Florida’s agriculture, business, tourism, and environment.
Of course, on a purely intellectual level, most of us understand the importance of preserving wild lands for the sake of climate control and protecting the ecosystems that allow for a great diversity of wildlife to exist. Although, I am not sure that it is truly common knowledge that we, humans, thrive when we experience wild lands and life. Author Richard Louv, in his book Last Child in the Wood: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, illustrates that natural landscapes have been recognized as therapeutic and restorative and how a connection with nature enhances creativity and inventiveness.
Clearly, the residents, business owners, and visitors will all benefit from this land purchase; economically, physically, and spiritually. I urge everyone to contact your representatives and ask that they support the Sugar Deal.
Julie Schwab
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
P.S. For more information, please visit: florida.sierraclub.org/sugarlands.asp;
www.riverofgrasscoalition.org; my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/pg_grp_sfwmd_koe/pg_sfwmd_koe_riverofgrass