Resolution 271-2006
RESOLUTION NO. 271_ 2006
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FWRIDA,
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
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
WHEREAS, 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
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; 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.
Ft. Zachary Australian Pines Resolution (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
replacemenll 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 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 <punty Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida at a regular meeting on said Board on the 1'1- day of July, A.D., 2006.
Mayor Charles "Sonny" McCoy
Mayor Pro Tern Dixie M. Spehar
Commissioner George Neugent
Commissioner Glenn Patton
Commissioner David Rice
YES
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(SEAL)
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE CO Y, FLORIDA
ATTEST: Dann~RK
BY~.L.
r5eputy Clerk
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MONAOE COUNTY ATTO NEY
AB OVED AS T
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Ft. Zachary Australian Pines Resolution (KP)
Department of
Environmental Protection
leb Bush
Governor
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Building
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee. Florida 32399-3000
Colleen M. Castille
Secretary
August 21, 2006
Mr. Danny L. Kolhage
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Monroe County
500 Whitehead Street, Suite 101
Key West, Florida 33040
Dear Mr.. Kolhage:
Secretary Castille has asked that I respond to your letter dated August 7, 2006 and to
thank you for your interest in Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
As part of our award winning state park system, Fort Zachary Taylor is guided by
statewide management principles that promote the preservation, restoration and
interpretation of the Real Florida. We will be pleased to take into consideration your
resolution regarding the Australian pine trees within the park.
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Mike Bullock
Director
Florida Park Service
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"More Protection, Less Process"
Printed on recycled paper.
THE FLORIDA SENATE
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100
COMMITTEES,
Agriculture, Vice Chair
Education
Education Appropriations
Transportation
JOINT COMMITTEE:
Administrative Procedures
SENATOR LARCENIA J. BULLARD
39th District
August 21, 2006
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Danny L. Kolhage
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Monroe County
Monroe County Courthouse
500 Whitehead Street, Suite 10 1
Key West, Florida 33040
Dear Mr. Kolhage,
I am in receipt of the copy of Resolution No. 271-2006 regarding the canopy of Australian Pines
in Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park. I look forward to giving you support on this resolution as it is
addressed at the state level. This information has been reviewed and filed for future reference.
If this office may be of assistance please do not hesitate to call (305) 668-7344.
UB/tmj
REPLY TO:
jj 8603 South Dixie Highway, Suite 304, Miami, Florida 33143 (305) 666-7344
LJ 218 Senate Office Building, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100 (850) 487-5127
Senate's Website: www.f1senate.gov
TOM LEE
President of the Senate
CHARLIE CLARY
President Pro Tempore