6/16/1992 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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F, �oo� FF11Jl, � education is not enough; we need slow speed zones for the manatee. He supported the DNR's plan. Michael Gallagher, 3020 Par Drive, recited an old Indian poem about how the earth was created. Cliff Barnes, director of Florida Wildlife Federation, didn't have any specific objections, but wished to emphasize that what we are talking about here is an endangered species becoming extinct. Education is not enough. Speed zones will protect both people and manatees. He felt we must come up with a strong manatee protection plan, but one that is reasonable and easily understood. If it is not understandable, people will not know how to obey it. Jens Tripson, 1740 21st St., chairman of the endangered species of the Pelican Island Audubon Society brought up.the.matter of erosion of the banks of the river and the destruction of seagrasses. He cautioned that if we tear up the seagrasses, the manatees will leave because that is their food source. Mr. Tripson stressed that you can post speed signs everywhere in the river, but if you cannot enforce it, it doesn't do any good at all. Bruce MacIntyre, 701, Shore Drive, boating columnist for the Press Journal, thanked the Commissioners and everyone for coming out tonight. He noted that since the DNR meeting at the high school, they have signed up a lot more people who were not aware of what might be happening to our river. These people came out tonight because they know the Commission is listening to their opinions on the DNB's proposed speed zone regulations. He felt the DNR regulations will cause congestion and accidents. He urged those in attendance not to rely solely on the County Commission and to take the time and effort to write the Governor and Cabinet. Mr. MacIntyre believed that by getting our views across, we might win this one yet. Patrick M. Rose, Environmental Administrator of protected Species Management, Florida Dept. of Natural Resources, thanked the Board for holding this additional meeting. He wished to note that the DNR has supported mandatory education and boat licensing for over 5 years but have not been successful in the Legislature. He encouraged the Board to take their request for education being tied to boater's licensing to the Legislature. Following the last County Commission meeting on May 26, when the Board approved the support of the 5 MANWAC recommendations, and the public hearing at the high school, they have taken that information and input and are considering some changes to the proposed rules and some adjustments. Mr. Rose felt it is going to be very difficult to match the total recommendations of MANWAC with those of what the DNR feels the manatee needs. He understood many of the conflicts 20