New Everglades Plan Unveiled After Protests

Concerned about losing treasured fishing spots in Florida Bay, a coalition of Upper Keys anglers and conservationists unveiled their own proposal for new Everglades National Park rules.

"People need to be aware that the wind is blowing in a depressing direction, toward more regulation," said project leader Jim Trice, an avid Islamorada angler.

Local guides and fishermen were alarmed by elements of three possible plans – dubbed alternatives B through D – that were used for discussion at a series of seven South Florida workshops. Alternative A would not change any Everglades rules.

"We believe Alternative A is as irresponsible as Alternative D," the most restrictive scenario drafted by Everglades staff, Trice said.

"Alternative E: Everglades for the Educated" was formally released Monday by the local group representing the Don Hawley Foundation, the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association, the Islamorada Fishing Club, Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited, and the Islamorada Fishing and Conservation Trust, among others.

The nine-page proposal endorses programs such as a mandatory boat-use permit for Florida Bay, obtained by proving competence in bay navigation.

Less-experienced boaters could qualify through workshops or an online program.

"Without eliminating people from experiencing the park, we want to ensure that everybody has a good park experience," Trice said. "More user education and etiquette is one way to accomplish that."

Another key proposal would designate an idle-zone within 100 yards of some shorelines, to provide a more tranquil experience for wildlife, kayakers and flats fishermen.

"Who wants to go racing that close to the shoreline anyway?" Trice said. "We think it’s a great concept."

"Alternative E" says the authors oppose eliminating powerboat access to any area where boats can now travel, and rejects suggested restrictions on boat size or motor power.

Everglades Superintendent Dan Kimball repeatedly raised the prospect of a new rule that caps boat size at 24 feet, since vessels that cause grounding damage tend to be larger than 24 feet.

The Alternative E writers agreed that flats less than 2 feet deep should be accessed only by paddle or push pole, but insisted that flats skiffs be allowed if their engines are raised.

Some areas – such as the now-closed Little Madeira Bay or Joe Bay – could be opened for paddle-only access, the plan says.

Trice said Kimball called to express his appreciation for the "fantastic" effort involved in the project, it not yet for any of its specifics.

"It was a lot of work by a fairly small group, because we had to move fast," Trice said. "There were differing views that kept each other honest, and made us really think about things. It really is unbelievable how much we were able to accomplish."

The Alternative E proposal will be presented to the Islamorada Village Council at its June 28 meeting for possible recommendation.

The Alternative E proposal and supporting documents are on a newly opened Web site, www.alternativee.com.

Comment period on this phase of the Everglades National Park’s General Management Plan process closes July 31.