BISCAYNE Biscayne National Monument A Proposal

In their present relatively undeveloped state, the upper Florida Keys and the adjoining waters and submerged lands of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are an environmental element highly important to Florida and a valuable recreation resource for the nation.

Responding to interest expressed by the Dade County Board of Supervisors and conservation minded individuals and organizations, the Secretary of the Interior directed the National Park Service and the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation to study the area. After carefully evaluating the natural and recreational resources, professional park planners strongly recommended preservation of this nationally significant area. To move toward this end with the best possible guidance, the National Park Service, in its 1965 report, invited the public to make suggestions and comment on three alternative proposals—described in the report as Plans 1, 2, and 3. Responses clearly indicated overwhelming support for the establishment of a national monument.

Suggestions from persons intimately acquainted with Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys led to selection of a modified version of Plan 1. Details of this plan are shown in the map on page 19. If carried out, this plan will assure optimum public use and enjoyment of the area. Without preservation and effective management, intensive private development will greatly alter existing values of the area.

George B. Hartzog, Jr.
Director
National Park Service