Item N2BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: July 19 2005
Bulk Item: Yes X No
Division: BOCC
Department: George R. Neugent
Staff Contact Person: Terri Marble
AGENDA ITEM WORDING:
Approval of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, 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 removal programs and to initiate maintenance and controlled growth
replacement programs.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
TOTAL COST: NA BUDGETED: Yes _ No
COST TO COUNTY: NA SOURCE OF FUNDS:
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes _ No — AMOUNT PER MONTH Year
APPROVED BY: County Atty _ OMB/Purchasing _ Risk Management
DIVISION DIRECTOR APPROVAL: gow OL A L--699
(TYPE NAME HERE)
DOCUMENTATION: Included —/—
DISPOSITION:
Revised 2/05
Not Required
AGENDA ITEM #
RESOLUTION NO, — 2006
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
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 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
WN F.REAS, 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
W71EEREAS, the pines provide a filtering protection from the damaging rays of the sun, and
WHEREAS, the Park management has agreed that the existing Australian Pines will
remain unless a hazard to life and property; and
WI-TEREAS, Florida Statute 380.0552 (f) 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; 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.
F7. Z-h.,) Ay Jl h.n h-, R-1.1— (KP)
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 Fines.
Section 3_, That the County clerk is hereby authorized to transmit certified copies of this
Resolution to Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Castille, Senator
Bullard and Representative Sorensen.
Section 4; That this Resolution shall go into effect immediately upon its passage, adoption and
authentication by the signature of the presiding officer and the County Commission
PASSED AND ADOPTED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida at a regular meeting on said Board on the day of July, A.D., 2006
Mayor Charles "Sonny" McCoy
Mayor Pro Tem Dixie M Spehar
Commissioner George Neugent
Commissioner Glenn Patton
Commissioner David Rice
(SEAL.)
ATTES r: Danny L Kolhage, CLERK
By
Deputy Clerk
, , J,,9 ,he Ai R,s02.nn {AP)
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY. FLORIDA
By:
Mayor Charles "Sonny" McCoy
MONROE COUNTY ATTp NEY
AP 'ROVED AS T
2ANN A. UTTON
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