Parks, Open Spaces, Wild Places News

Logging and other threats to Florida’s national forests jeopardizes $7.9 billion per year in Florida business from transportation, lodging, equipment, and licenses for activities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching, according to a new report released today by Environment Florida.

The Environment Florida report on the value of recreation, water and wildlife, “Worth More Wild: The Value of Florida’s Roadless National Forests,” analyzes data from a national survey done by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service. 

Key findings of the report include: 

• In 2006, 4.6 million Florida residents participated in fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching, and these recreationists spent $7.9 billion in Florida on transportation, lodging, equipment, licenses, and other related items.  The economic strength of this outdoor recreation relies on pristine and intact forestland.
• Annually, almost $300 million worth of freshwater comes from the Southern Forest Service region, which encompasses Florida.
• Undeveloped national forests provide critical habitat to Florida’s native wildlife, and at least 14 of the state’s endangered species would be even more threatened without the protection of roadless areas. 

“Pristine forests boost local economies, provide unique outdoor opportunities, preserve wildlife, and protect watersheds, but a major portion of our national forestland is defenseless against drilling, logging, and mining,” said Environment Florida Director Mark Ferrulo.

Florida’s national forests face road building and logging from the timber industry. Since those who choose to recreate in national forests tend to look for untouched lands, spoiling those lands will send recreationists and their money elsewhere.

Since 2000, Florida residents have submitted 148,095 comments to the Forest Service, with the vast majority supporting complete protection of these wild forestlands.   

Environment Florida is calling on members of Florida’s congressional delegation to join Representatives Castor (Tampa), Wexler (Boca Raton), and Wasserman Schultz (Pembroke Pines) in protecting these untouched forests by supporting the Roadless Area Conservation Act (H.R. 2516). The bill will protect 50,000 acres of roadless forests in Florida and 58.5 million acres of untouched forests nationally. 

“We must preserve the beautiful and pristine parts of our national forests so that they can be shared and appreciated by everyone,” concluded Ferrulo. “Florida’s congressional delegation should fight to protect Florida’s untouched forests and recreational dollars for generations to come.”

Read the full report.