Key Largo’s coral reefs has the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Virginia Key has the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and the Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife Area.
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| Biologists monitor bird rookeries in the 700-acre Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife Area on Virginia Key, |
These special designations by the State of Florida have helped protect the wilderness areas of Virginia Key, including the surrounding waters, just as the creation of John Pennekamp State Park 50 years ago stopped the unfettered blasting and spearfishing that was on course to devastate the fragile coral reefs off Key Largo.
A Miami Herald story today, “Aquatic Gem: The world’s first underwater park - John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park” documents the tenacity of those who understood the perils the area faced and worked to save it.
It’s a cautionary tale and an inspiration to those fighting today to protect the wilderness areas of Virginia Key from proposed development both within and adjacent to the sea turtle nesting beaches, mangroves, tropical hammock and dunes.
Until the island becomes part of the State Park or National Park system, it’s all we’ve got. That and a band of dedicated and vigilant citizens who have managed to carry the story so far.
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And can we expect anyone at the Herald to come to its rescue...........
ReplyDeletesame with Bicentennial Park..........We have leaders afraid of their own shadows or looking for their next campaign contribution.