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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-43 Protection of Fresh Water SourcesRESOLUTION NO. 91 - 43 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PARKLAND, FLORIDA SUPPORTING THE PROTECTION OF BROWARD COUNTY'S FRESH WATER RESOURCES, THE EVERGLADES, THE BISCAYNE AQUIFER AND THE EAST. EVERGLADES WETLANDS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE WHEREAS, water is the natural resource upon which all lite depends; and WHEREAS, Wetlands are a valuable natural resource which serves as a vital link between land and water; and . WHEREAS, Wetlands provide protection and filtration of the Biscayne Aquifer, the sole economical source of water supply for South Florida; and WHEREAS, Wetlands provide many important benefits to people and their environment such as to improve water quality, reduce flood and storm damage, provide important fish and wildlife habitat and support hunting and fishing activities; and WHEREAS, the East Everglades Wetlands provide recharge for the stressed delicate Biscayne Aquifer; and WHEREAS, the inland migration of saltwater intrusion is the primary threat to public water supplies in coastal Broward County and the ongoing and historic drainage of the East Everglades Wetlands to accommodate growth has helped to create this situation; and Resol. 91-43 WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has determined that "In South Florida the past and continuing cumulative loss of Everglades Wetlands is a major threat to water quality and resources, aquatic life and wildlife"; and WHEREAS, the Everglades, East Everglades Wetlands and the Biscayne Aquifer are inter -related natural resources cri.tical to the water system which produces South Florida's rain cycle; and WHEREAS, more than fifty-four percent (54%) of the nation's wetlands have vanished forever and the South Florida Regional Planning Council has determined that South Florida has lost more than fifty percent (507) of Everglades Systems Wetlands; and WHEREAS, South Florida Water Management District's Broward County Water Supply Plan, Phase 1, May 1, 1991, recommends designating Broward County as a "Critical Water Supply Area": NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PARKLAND, FLORIDA; Section 1. That the City Commission of the City of Parkland, Florida supports the protection of the Everglades, the East Everglades Wetlands and the Biscayne Aquifer and urge the appropriate authorities to adopt such policies and regulations at least consistent with present Federal standards and produce an inventory map of the East Everglades Wetlands, as may be necessary to ensure the protection of these valuable natural resource; Resol. 91-43 Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its passage and adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS ATTEST: 6 DAY OF November SUSAN ARMSTRONG, CMC,'. TY CLERK , 1991 SAC PA6L I AR • � AYOR ENVIRONMENTAL' .COALITION atBrood. Bounty 412 NE 3 Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 City Commission City of Parkland 6500 Parkside Drive Parkland, FL 33067 Honorable Member: September 16, 1991 As a policy maker sensitive to environmental issues, you are aware of the importance of the unique and fragile nature of the Broward County environment. Your position in government affords you the opportunity to take a leadership role in protecting Broward's diminishing water resources, especially the East Everglades wetlands. Our county faces a diminishing water supply. We have lost over 80 per cent of the wading bird population and the Florida panther is endangered due to mercury poisoning and loss of habitat. We have drained, dyked, and polluted the Everglades without giving proper attention to the value of the East Everglades fringe wetlands, the stepping stone between urbaniza- tion and the River of Grass. On September 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public hearing at 7:00 pm in the Broward County Governmental Center in Ft. Lauderdale. This meeting will afford the public and policy makers the opportunity to support the E.P.A. in their efforts to protect the fringe wetlands critical to the Everglades ecosystem. The Environmental Coalition submits to you a resolution of support for water resources, the Biscayne Aquifer, and the East Everglades wetlands as authored by Dania Mayor Bob Mikes. The Coalition would be most grateful if you would consider sponsor- ship or passage of the enclosed resolution or a wetlands resolution of your design. This action would give you or.any member of the public the opportunity to present this environmental position to the E.P.A. at the September 25th. meeting or in writing before October 10. I thank you for your consideration of our request. Sincerely, Patti Webster, exec. dir.