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Here's some
suggestions for clear-cutting penalties
I was happy to
read that the county is considering stronger fines to discourage the
illegal clearing of native habitat here in the Keys. The pirating of our
natural lands has gone on long enough, and stricter enforcement is a
must if we are to save these beautiful Keys from further destruction. I
do not think increasing the fine will be enough. Here are a few
suggestions that may discourage illegal clearing in the future. It is
time to get serious. Too much has been lost already.
1. If you do
illegally clear native habitat, then you should not be eligible for an
"after-the-fact" permit or, for that matter, any sort of permit to build
on that land or fence it. The offender's name should go on a black list
and stay there for, say, 20 years.
2. The fine
for clearing native habitat illegally should be around $10,000, and the
law should be enforced, with monies going to purchase native lots and
acreage from people wanting to sell.
3. The person
or persons clearing illegally should be required to restore the
devastated hammock to its natural state. If a commercial company
assisted in the clearing of the lot or helped haul off the vegetation
knowing this clearing was not permitted, then all machinery used for
this illegal action should be confiscated as evidence and not returned
until all fines are paid in full.
4. Anyone
caught illegally clearing lands should have to do at least 50 hours
community service helping one of our many nonprofit organizations in
their efforts to remove exotics from natural habitat or perhaps helping
with the replanting of natives in restoration areas.
5. All persons
caught illegally clearing native habitat should be required to attend a
course on the ecosystem of the Florida Keys and why it is considered an
Area of Critical [State] Concern and needs our care and protection.
Do these seem
too strict for you? I think not. We have been too careless for too long,
and the Keys have suffered greatly because of our lack of enforcement of
the laws in place. They have not worked.
It's time for
everyone to do their part in taking care of our endangered Keys and
protect these lands we are blessed to live in. After all, it is the very
beauty and uniqueness of these special Keys that attracted us here in
the first place. Every little bit counts, and every little bit is
important. Once it's gone, it's gone. Please respect our home and the
home of all the plants and animal life that share it with us. If you
must clear land, please be legal; ask for a permit, and then look around
at your land. I mean really look, and notice just what is there before
you begin. You might be surprised at some of the treasures you behold.
Katie Lyons
Big Pine Key |
