Item T06 T.6
County �� � .�� �y,4 ' �, "tr, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Michelle Coldiron,District 2
�1 nff `ll Mayor Pro Tem David Rice,District 4
-Me Florida.Keys Craig Cates,District 1
Eddie Martinez,District 3
w � Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
County Commission Meeting
October 203, 2021
Agenda Item Number: T.6
Agenda Item Summary #9343
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: BOCC District 1
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Amanda Leggett(305) 292-3400
N/A
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of a Resolution urging the State of Florida to designate
the canopy of Australian Pines in Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park as an exception to any exotic and
invasive renewal programs and to initiate maintenance and controlled growth replacement programs.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
DOCUMENTATION:
Ft. Zach Australian Pines Resolution 2021 Commissioner Cates
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Total Dollar Value of Contract:
Total Cost to County:
Current Year Portion:
Budgeted:
Source of Funds:
CPI:
Indirect Costs:
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts:
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T.6
Revenue Producing: If yes, amount:
Grant:
County Match:
Insurance Required:
Additional Details:
n/a
REVIEWED BY:
Craig Cates Completed 10/05/2021 2:20 PM
Bob Shillinger Completed 10/05/2021 3:05 PM
Liz Yongue Completed 10/05/2021 3:24 PM
Board of County Commissioners Pending 10/20/2021 9:00 AM
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RESOLUTION NO. -2021
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLOVVRIDA,
URGING THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO DESIGNATE THE y
CANOPY OF AUSTRALIAN PINES IN FT. ZACHARY CD
_
TAYLOR STATE PARK AS AN EXCEPTION TO ANY
EXOTIC AND INVASIVE REMOVAL PROGRAMS AND
TO INITIATE MAINTENANCE AND CONTROLLED
GROWTH REPLACEMENT PROGRAMS.
WHEREAS, Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park is a National Historic Landmark in Key
West that has a towering canopy - a cathedral - of old Australian Pine trees; and
WHEREAS, these Australian Pines have become a cherished part of the park's
natural landscape, providing shade to beach visitors and a feeling of spaciousness
in a simple and elegant manner; and offer immeasurable social, community,
environmental and economic benefits; and
WHEREAS, the pines are first growth on submerged land that was filled in the
1960s and, therefore, have never been a threat to native vegetation; and
WHEREAS, this canopy is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, low maintenance,
energy efficient and provides a beautiful unique vista; and
c
WHEREAS, the pines provide a filtering protection from the damaging rays of the y
sun; and
0
WHEREAS, the Park management has agreed that the existing Australian
CD
Pines will remain unless a hazard to life and property; and
c
WHEREAS, Florida Statute 380.0552 (1) directs the state "To enhance natural
scenic resources, promote the aesthetic benefits of the natural environment,
and ensure that development is compatible with the unique historic character of the
Florida Keys;" and
WHEREAS, the County Commission, understanding that this governing statute
provides exemption, wishes to lend its voice to the many local citizens, snowbirds,
tourists and the community of artists and writers who have objected to the loss of the
Australians Pines; and
WHEREAS, the County Commission previously expressed its opposition to the
removal of Australian Pines at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park when it adopted Resolution
217-2006.
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NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSION OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: That the State of Florida is hereby urged to designate the canopy of
Australian Pines at Ft. Zachary Taylor Historic State Park as an exception to any
and all exotic and invasive removal programs.
Section 2: That the State of Florida is hereby urged to initiate a professional maintenance
program to nurture and protect the pines and to institute a policy of "controlled growth"
for replacement of any pines lost to natural disaster or man, so that Ft. Zachary Taylor will
always have a canopy of Australian Pines.
Section 3: That the Clerk is hereby directed to transmit copies of this Resolution to:
Secretary Shawn Hamilton Senator Ana Maria Rodriquez, District 39
Dept. of Environmental Protection 318 Senate Office Building
3900 Commonwealth Blvd. 404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
Director Eric Draper Representative Jim Mooney, District 120 y
Division of Recreation and Parks 1102 The Capitol
Dept. of Environmental Protection 402 South Monroe Street y
3900 Commonwealth Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Section 4: That this Resolution shall go into effect immediately upon its passage, adoption N
and authentication by the signature of the presiding officer and the County Commission. y
PASSED AND ADOPTED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, �i
Florida at a regular meeting held on October 20, 2021, in Marathon, Florida.
N
Mayor Michelle Coldiron
Mayor Pro Tem David Rice
Commissioner Craig Cates
Commissioner Eddie Martinez
Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein
Attest: Kevin Madok, Clerk BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: By:
Deputy Clerk Mayor Michelle Coldiron
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