After two years of hearings, public participation, and open debate, Dry Tortugas National P (FL) issued its Final Plan to save its unique marine treasures for future generations. This innovative plan sets aside 42% of its area as a "Research Natural Area," opens new areas to visitors, and continues to allow recreational fishing in the most popular fishing areas. The final step is approval by the new Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton.
The Dry Tortugas National Park consists of seven tiny islands, surrounded by 100 square miles of turquoise and blue ocean. It is an idyllic tropical paradise, accessible only by boat or plane because it lies almost 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Its historic highlights include a giant 18th Century brick fort and even older shipwrecks, and its natural attractions include pristine coral reefs, rare birds, and many species of tropical fish.
After two years of hearings, public participation, and open debate, the Park issued its Final Plan to save its unique marine treasures for future generations. This innovative plan sets aside 42% of its area as a "Research Natural Area," opens new areas to visitors, and continues to allow recreational fishing in the most popular fishing areas, especially right off the most visited islands. It also reasonably limits the number of visitors, so that all can enjoy the historic and natural wonders without harming the fragile resources.
Due in part to an outpouring of support from NPCA members and activists who submitted thousands of comments over the past two years (thank you all for your responses!), there was overwhelming support for the no-take Research Natural Area zone. But Gale Norton is new, and did not see this support. And now she has only been hearing from a vocal minority of people who did not get their way during the open, public planning process! So we are pleading for ONE LAST PUSH from our members.
TAKE ACTION! The Final Plan was published in the Federal Register, and now the final step is approval by the new Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton. Please write to Gale Norton, copying it to your congressperson and senator and ask that the plan be approved! *IF YOU DO NOT FISH, please edit your letter accordingly. For questions about this issue, contact Mary Munson in NPCA's South Florida Regional Office. For questions regarding this alert, contact Take Action. To read more about the final plan visit the Park Service web site
SAMPLE LETTER & CONTACT INFO: Use the Take Action Center to send your message now! If you do not have web access, use the sample letter and contact info provided below. **Please send copies of your letters to your Members of Congress. Contact TakeAction@npca.org for assistance finding e-mail addresses. (f you use the Take Action Center, those messages will be automatically sent for you!) HOUSE: The Honorable (Your Rep.); U.S. House of Representatives; Washington, DC 20515 SENATE: The Honorable (Your Sens.) United States Senate; Washington, DC 20510 Gale Norton E-mail: exsec@ios.doi.gov
The Honorable Gale Norton Secretary of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Norton:I am writing to express my strong support for the Dry Tortugas General Management Plan Amendment that establishes a Research Natural Area (RNA). This innovative plan has evolved out of an open, public planning process where concerns from thousands of members of the public were taken into account. Your approval will give the final nod to a fair, legal and publicly accepted plan.
Visitation to this remote, fragile park has quadrupled in recent years, and scientific research has shown that fish stocks are in serious decline. The entire region is struggling to find ways to make sure that our grandchildren's grandchildren will be able to enjoy what we have today. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is establishing two marine reserves adjacent to the Dry Tortugas National Park. The RNA will complement the Sanctuary's efforts, creating a sustainable environment for the entire, embattled Tortugas region.
The Tortugas Plan is a balanced plan - it protects resources while still providing quality experiences for visitors. While the RNA provides scientists with a "control area" to assess the benefits of conservation, recreational fishing will be allowed in almost 60% of the park, including the most popular areas right off the most visited islands. The plan also creates new access to remote islands and provides for more concessions. It will provide mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage to coral reefs. And it will limit visitors so that everyone can enjoy the islands without facing huge crowds
Please do not overturn results of a two-year, legitimate public process that is designed to save the Dry Tortugas. We know that some fishermen are telling you that they oppose the no-take zone. But I want you to know that I FISH and I SUPPORT THE RNA. Responsible fishermen realize that we cannot fish everywhere, and sometimes we must protect nursery, spawning or critical habitat areas so that depleted stocks can recover! We can certainly find a place to fish in the 58 square miles of the park open to fishing. PLEASE SIGN THE RECORD OF DECISION FOR THE DRY TORTUGAS GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT!
Sincerely,