In response to last week’s article re: the high-speed ferry
Dear Editor,
The Schultz Preserve is our “canary in the mine.” Our Tampa Bay Watershed is our jewel; we must protect what is left of its natural coastline.
I am a long time supporter of the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP). I have been following the SWFMUD purchase of the 132 acre Fred and Idah Schultz Preserve and the partnership with Hillsborough County Land Management. It is clearly stated in the agreement of 1995 that large, motorized boats are incompatible with the conservation and preservation of the goals and objectives of this preserve. I am also aware of the cost — $2.4 million — for the restoration work financed by the tax payers of Hillsborough County. Countless volunteer hours have made a difference to aide [sic] in the success of this restoration, which creates a natural easement for our Tampa Bay Estuary.
I toured the restoration with the Sierra Club. Our guide, Ross Dickerson, Manager of conservation lands with Hillsborough County shared the layout, goals and management of the preserve. The native vegetation was well established on all of the 132 acres. The 20 acres on the west end of the preserve lush with native plants is contrary to what the ferry promoter’s claim as arid with no successful restoration work.
I feel this property is not suitable for the ferry project for the following reasons.
The ELAPP Land is not for barter. It would set a precedent, possibly opening a window to others to attempt to develop preserved public lands.
The ferry planners keep morphing their information, which is misleading the public:
At each turn, it reveals more coast line at risk and more acreage being consumed for this proposed project. The 20 acre grid on the west end of the preserve, contrary to what the ferry promoters are claiming, is the native vegetation that has been planted and is doing well.
More sea grass will be destroyed in the Kitchen Preserve area because of the dredging of the basin and the large motorized vessel’s backwash. Originally we were told the ferry traffic would use the Red Wing Port Canal only.
As for constructing a service road, it would flatten the restoration mounts along the Red Wing Port canal and construct a 1,500 vehicle parking lot. A parking garage might be in the future.
I am for mass transit serving a broader spectrum of Tampa Bay’s population, where the money would be spent in a wiser manner. A commuter rail could serve MacDill, regional businesses and our international airport. Only a few of Hillsborough County’s residents will be served by this ferry. Sierra Club’s claim of reduction of automobiles (commuters to Mac Dill Air Force Base) is excluding the needs of the general population of Hillsborough County.
3. The Schultz Preserve coastal habitat is unique because it has re-established the natural ecology systems necessary for the health of the Tampa Bay watershed. It is unique because it is funded joined by local and state government. All [as] a direct result of the Clean Air & Water Acts of the ’70s.
4. It has taken years to restore this small portion of shoreline through mitigation and preservation at the tax payer expense. Schultz Preserve is a refreshing reminder of our area history, a learning laboratory where citizens can witness and experience the fragile nature of this ecosystem. It promotes understanding of the [delicate] balance in the ecosystems of the Tampa Bay Estuary and establishes fisheries for eco-tourism. Cheers to Tampa Bay Audubon for all its dedication to the health of Tampa Bay’s coast line habitats!!
5. The Tampa Bay Port Authority President and chief executive officer A. Paul Anderson said, Friday, February 6th, 2015, he and other port officials think a proposed ferry terminal site on the Fred and Idah Schultz Preserve would endanger maritime traffic. Reported by Tampa Tribune’s Mike Salinero 2.8.2015
Please do not waste our public funds on this ill-gotten ferry project for the benefit of the few. These protected Hillsborough County habitats are for the benefit of future generations. We use the ELAPP lands as a vehicle to maintain a balance between development and the preservation of natural ecosystems on which we are dependent.
Jeanette Doyle
Apollo Beach