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Contact: Linda Friar, 305-242-7714 Contact: Brien Culhane, 305-242-7717
Homestead, Florida: The National Park Service (NPS), in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, plans to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate options and potential impacts for acquiring lands owned by the Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) within the East Everglades Addition of Everglades National Park (the park). This will include the potential exchange of lands authorized in the Omnibus Public Lands Act of 2009 and other reasonable alternatives. The Everglades National Park Protection and Expansion Act of 1989 expanded the boundaries of the park to include approximately 109,600 acres, and through that act and additional legislation authorized the NPS and Army Corps of Engineers to acquire lands within the East Everglades Addition. FPL owns approximately 320 acres of undeveloped land within the East Everglades Addition. Because the FPL property is currently undeveloped and is needed for the restoration and enhancement of the ecosystem (through improvement of natural hydrologic conditions) the NPS is seeking to acquire the FPL property, manage it as part of the park, and maintain it in its undeveloped condition. The NPS is seeking public input on the proposed acquisition and the alternatives and issues to be addressed in the environmental assessment. Public Meeting: The public is invited to attend a public scoping meeting on July 9. 2009: Location: John D. Campbell Agricultural Center The first hour of the meeting will be an open house and NPS staff will be available to discuss the project, answer questions and record public comments. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a brief presentation on the project, followed by a public comment session. Public comment period ends July 28, 2009: The public can view a project newsletter and submit comments directly on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) site https://parkplanning.nps.gov. Select “Everglades NP” from the drop down box, then Acquisition of Florida Power and Light Lands/Environmental Assessment”, and “Open for Public Comment” box. A paper copy of the newsletter may be requested by calling the park at 305-242-7700. If prompted by voice mail, press “2” at 1st prompt and “5” at 2nd prompt to leave mailing information. Please state that you are requesting the newsletter for the Acquisition of Florida Power and Light Lands/Environmental Assessment Project. Written comments should be mailed by July 28, 2009 to: For more information or questions about the proposed Acquisition of FPL Lands / EA , contact Brien Culhane, Chief, Planning and Environmental Compliance at 305-242-7717 or Brien_Culhane@nps.gov. - NPS - |
Last updated: April 14, 2015