On Sept. 26, Suncoast Waterkeeper hosted a panel discussion of the “Value of Wetlands” that was attended by over 150 concerned citizens. During the discussion, scientists including Tampa Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Ed Sherwood, A.J. Reisinger and Jim Bays provided attendees with the science behind the value of wetlands and answered questions.
Suncoast Waterkeeper is encouraging citizens to take the facts communicated by the invited scientists to the Manatee County Commission on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. when commissioners are scheduled for a final vote on the proposed reduction of wetland buffers. To watch the science panel event, tune into Manatee Education Television or YouTube.
What is at stake?
The Manatee County Comprehensive Plan is a set of goals and objectives put into policy by the Land Development Code. The proposed changes to the comprehensive plan’s element 3 – conservation – will eliminate all but one objective under Goal 3.3. This begs the question, can the county meet Goal 3.3 when most of the objectives created to meet the goal are removed?
Goal 3.3 states its purpose is “to protect, enhance, and maintain the natural flora and fauna resources of Manatee County to aid in the filtration of contaminants, provide for the preservation of native species for passive recreational and aesthetic enjoyment, and to provide a healthy environment for Manatee County residents and visitors.”
The proposed comprehensive plan changes will:
1. Eliminate protection for all viable wetlands beyond those deemed deserving of protection by the state of Florida. Currently, one of Manatee County’s objectives, which directs policy, is to protect all viable wetlands, even if they are not protected by the state. This additional protection for wetlands will be eliminated. Therefore, by reverting to the state for wetland protection rules, some of Manatee County’s viable wetlands will no longer be protected and will be open for development.
2. Eliminate the greater than or equal to 50-foot buffer requirement along all watercourses flowing into our drinking water sources. The development pressures around Lake Manatee are very high. This language change would eliminate protections for streams/creeks/branches that flow into Lake Manatee and other drinking water sources, such as the Peace River. State law does not require buffers around watercourses. Thus, residential developments will be allowed to infringe on the banks of these watercourses, subjecting them to siltation, bank erosion and contamination from multiple sources, including backyard lawn care practices such as applying pesticides and fertilizers.
3. Reduce buffers from greater than or equal to 50 feet to a minimum of 15 feet and average of 25 feet for outstanding Florida waters and aquatic preserves. Outstanding Florida Waters in Manatee County include all the bays (Sarasota, Palma Sola, Terra Ceia, etc.). Therefore, the requirement for extra mangrove protection around the bays will be lost. Instead of having rows of mangrove trees between homes and the bays, there will just be one row of mangroves. Can a single row of mangroves provide the protections necessary to withstand the next storm surge, abate the next high wind event, or provide the habitat necessary to maintain fish stocks important for commercial, sports and recreational fishing?
The Watershed Overlay Districts indicate where wetlands and watercourses have greater protections than what is required by the state of Florida because they are connected to local drinking water supplies.
What can you do?
Attend the Thursday, Oct. 5 Board of County Commissioners Land Use meeting at 9 a.m. The meeting agenda is available online.
Submit an online comment before it closes on Oct. 3.
For more detailed information check out Suncoast Waterkeeper’s September newsletter and consider joining the effort to protect local waters.
