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General Sample Letter
Dear Mr. Haddad:
I am writing on behalf of my family. We are greatly concerned about the protection for Gopher Tortoises and other upland species and our unique upland habitats. We are writing to you to ask that you expedite changes in current management of tortoises and rules and guidelines in a way that will save these resources both locally and throughout the state. At the rate development is taking place, we have but a handful of years left before the last great blows to survival have been landed and this and other upland species disappear forever.
We hope that FWC will work cooperatively with local governments, private landowners and citizens to insure that there are gopher tortoises and other upland species in natural habitats for people to share and enjoy in future generations. Programs should be put into place that have been proven to encourage landowners to carry on agriculture, forestry and other land uses while protecting listed and other upland species.
We ask that the FWC work toward solving problems that have led to the current tortoise management problems including proper education of staff and people who work with tortoise regulations, reasonable and enforceable rules that everyone can understand and comply with in a reasonable fashion. It is important that listed species rules are enforced as diligently as game and fish regulations.
Finally, we are deeply concerned that money which is available through voter initiatives to establish conservation lands in Florida is being routed away from the initial purposes for which it was collected or donated. Also many lands are not being managed for biodiversity but are simply being developed into tree farms or not being managed at all. We ask your support in making sure that best management practices for sustaining biodiversity are in place and that the funds for these programs are not being funneled off for other purposes.
Sincerely,
John Q. Public
CC: Governor Jeb Bush
State Lands Director Eva Armstrong
State Senator________
State Representative________ |
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