On Oct. 15 there was a meeting at the Harvey Center to allow public input to the [Florida] Division of Recreation and Parks regarding the management plan for Fort Zachary Taylor [State Park]. Tuesday morning, there was a more limited venue for input from an advisory group. Truman Annex, as the largest nearby property owner, was asked to participate in this group. The vast majority of our owners want the pines preserved. Our directors asked me to represent their interests. Because no media representation was present at the Tuesday meeting, here's a brief summary.

Helen Harrison represented the strong local desire to save the pines, and was backed up by over 1,700 local signatures. Matt Babich wondered about plans for the barren area to the north of the pines. Mark Hedden spoke of improved avian habitat, and the deleterious effects of the pines. Cory Malcom gave a sophisticated summary of the problem, and suggested a compromise of planting extensive stands of coconut palms. David Horan noted that the authority of the Army Corps of Engineers to cut the pines may have been obviated by a recent court decision. There were a variety of other negative comments on the planned pavilion and positive comments on work to rehabilitate the fort itself.

Here's what I learned. These pines create a monoculture below and spread vigorously. They are listed as a noxious weed by the state, and the state has a law requiring their eradication. State employees are constrained to abide by this law and are planning to proceed despite substantial local opinion to the contrary. All of the public opinion voiced the previous evening appears to have had no effect. Further, when asked to provide notification of the next cutting, the panel simply refused.

I understand the need of state employees to abide by law, but any state agency that is unwilling to be transparent is not acting in good faith. This is troubling, unacceptable and grounds for oversight from higher authorities. Further, while their plans may lead to greater biodiversity, the one specimen that will inhabit the area in fewer numbers will be humans. Unless I am mistaken, the point in having state parks is for human enjoyment, as well as long-term natural protection. Granted, planning for natural species is important for us and future generations. But just as it applies to natural systems, balance is the key to public planning.

These local hearings prove that this matter will not be solved from the bottom up. It will be solved from the top down. So to all of you who care, please contact the governor and the chief financial officer directly. Briefly make your case and suggest three specifics: 1) State money that is spent on a highly unpopular plan is bad government; 2) Put the plan to cut the pines on hold; and 3) Find a way to grant an exception, radically curtail cutting, or develop a diverse flora system to the north.

Please e-mail the CFO (Alex Sink) at cfo@fldfs.com. and the governor at Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com.

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