North Miami-Dade News

In a bipartisan effort, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, along with Representatives Byron Donalds and Scott Franklin, have spearheaded a letter to the Biden administration urging the protection of the Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. The letter, supported by 15 additional colleagues from Florida, emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the preserve from potential wilderness designation by the current administration.

Rep. Díaz-Balart highlighted the significance of the preserve, stating, "As we approach the 50th Anniversary of the Big Cypress National Preserve, it is crucial to continue protecting this outstanding natural and sacred land for future generations." The preserve, known for its ecological diversity, is home to the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes whose way of life and cultural sites would be threatened by any proposed wilderness designation.

Rep. Donalds expressed his strong opposition to federal overreach, stating, "Big Cypress National Preserve is an iconic fixture of our Southwest Florida community that must be protected from debilitating federal overreach." He emphasized the importance of blocking any potential actions that could restrict access to the preserve and negatively impact local stakeholders.

Rep. Franklin echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, emphasizing the importance of local involvement in preserving natural beauty, saying, “In Florida, we know no one is better at preserving our state’s natural beauty than the locals who have lived with and alongside the land for generations.” He further thanked his Florida colleagues for joining the effort to prevent federal government overreach in the designation of the preserve.

The collective effort by Florida representatives aims to protect the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of the Big Cypress National Preserve. The letter addressed to Secretary Haaland of the U.S. Department of the Interior emphasizes the importance of maintaining access to the preserve for all visitors while safeguarding the interests of the Tribal Nations and local communities.

The ongoing dialogue underscores the concerns raised by various stakeholders, including the potential negative impacts on wildlife management, access for tribal citizens, and restrictions on economic activities within the preserve. The bipartisan collaboration seeks to ensure the preservation of the sacred and precious access to the Big Cypress National Preserve for current and future generations.