HomeMy WebLinkAboutR2024-73 Opposing Amendment to Management Plan for Jonathan Dickinson State ParkRESOLUTION 2024-73
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF
NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, OPPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR JONATHAN DICKINSON STATE PARK TO
PROVIDE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF GOLF COURSES; PROVIDING
FOR TRANSMITTAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the largest state park in southeast Florida, covering
more than 10,500 acres in Martin County; and
WHEREAS, Jonathan Dickinson State Park includes multiple rare environments and habitats, such
as coastal sand hills, upland lakes, scrub forests, and the pristine Loxahatchee River, and contains
the largest amount of protected scrub jay habitat in southeast Florida; and
WHEREAS, Jonathan Dickinson State Park provides a unique opportunity for residents and
visitors to experience these rare environments and habitats, offering opportunities for hiking,
horseback riding, boating, biking, fishing, and swimming; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ("FDEP") promotes itself as the
State of Florida's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, with a stated vision
of protecting Florida's position as a world leader in protecting natural resources; and
WHEREAS, FDEP recently announced its "Great Outdoors Initiative" to update state park
management plans and increase park amenities; and
WHEREAS, the proposed update to the unit management plan for Jonathan Dickinson Park calls
for the construction of two eighteen -hole golf courses and one nine -hole golf course; and
WHEREAS, the conversion of 1,050 acres of Jonathan Dickinson State Park to golf courses would
result in the destruction of natural habitats, increased water usage, potential chemical runoff, and
a significant alteration of the park's landscape, negatively impacting the environment and the
existing recreational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the proposed update is contrary to the principles of conservation and the protection
of natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council wishes to express its formal opposition to the destruction of any
portion of the natural habitat and determines that the adoption of this Resolution is in the best
interests of the public health, safety, and welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE
OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA as follows:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are hereby ratified and incorporated herein.
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Section 2. The Village Council for the Village of North Palm Beach expresses its opposition
to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's plan to compromise hundreds of acres of
the rare environments of Jonathan Dickinson State Park to construct new golf courses. The Village
strongly urges the continued preservation of this natural habitat.
Section 3. The Village Council directs that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Governor Ron DeSantis, FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton, and FDEP Deputy Secretary for Land
and Recreation Mara Gambineri, who oversees the State of Florida's 175 state parks and trails.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 22ND DAY OF AUGUST, 2024.
ATTEST:
ILLAGE CLERK
MAYOR
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