An open letter to Governor-elect Byron Donalds: I respectfully write these words in the hope you embrace your role as a leader in conserving Florida. Let it be part of your legacy as governor. Florida’s conservation future is now in your hands.
Florida is at a crossroads. The rich ecological diversity and natural resources that have defined Florida for generations are either going to be truly saved or truly lost.
Two throughlines of massive population increases and growth and progress made in saving natural Florida are now increasingly competing. Without generational leadership, natural Florida loses.
I respectfully write this letter to you as a native and lifelong Floridian, a grandfather, a recreational fisherman, and a person of faith who believes in conserving creation.
Begin your tenure as governor by creating a legacy as one of Florida’s true conservation governors. This transformative moment in Florida demands no less. It can be your moment, and your legacy.
You know the tremendous value that Florida’s environment provides for Florida’s economy.
The vast and priceless ecosystem services of clean air and water, flood control, healthy and abundant fisheries, the natural beauty that anchors our tourism industry, carbon sequestration and the quality of life that attracts new residents.
Florida’s environment and economy are forever and deeply intertwined. To seek to improve the economy without preserving the environment is folly.
This moment in time in Florida calls for you to be a champion and advocate for Florida’s public lands from day one as governor. The race between preserving environmental lands for future generations and losing them forever to development is quickening.
I urge you, throughout your tenure, to seek full and expanded funding and support for land acquisition programs like Florida Forever at levels needed to be truly effective.
Seek robust and increased funding in your proposed legislative budgets and make complete support for Florida Forever a clear legislative priority on your part, shared with legislative leaders and the public. They will both follow your lead.
Acquire lands for conservation through direct purchase or conservation easement. Manage those lands to the highest ecological and recreational value. Preserve those lands without thought to development, land swaps or use for public works. Conservation for conservation.
Imagine the legacy in real, increased progress in completing the Florida Wildlife Corridor! Lead the effort to provide Florida’s state parks with the funding to be a national model again, repaired and expanded. Be a champion for Florida state parks, even visiting all of them during your tenure as governor.
My family’s home was flooded after Hurricane Milton. Now king tides and heavy rain cause unprecedented flooding in Florida. Floridians know and see tremendous risks to human and natural communities occurring from changing weather and climate. We need a governor who moves with passion and purpose to protect both. You can be that governor.
Embrace science as the foundation of your policy decisions. Set a standard that adaptation and resiliency, in the face of sea-level rise and climate change, are core to your legacy. Communities fearing expanded flooding and worsening natural disasters will deeply appreciate your leadership. My family will.
As a recreational fisherman, I appreciate your leadership in offering the Florida Coastal Corridor. Take those efforts further by restoring public faith and trust in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s leadership. Set a standard that you will only appoint FWC commissioners with strong backgrounds in the natural sciences and wildlife management. Florida’s wildlife and rich outdoor traditions deserve no less.
It is painfully obvious that these essential requests are but a small sampling of the significant challenges facing natural Florida. Luckily, the vast majority of Floridians support conserving the Florida we love.
Seek the counsel of Florida’s conservation leaders and the academic community to explore meaningful policy solutions.
Early in your tenure, establish a council of conservation leaders and academic experts to meet regularly with your administration and provide input and ideas as you face tremendous challenges. I do not envy the decisions you must make or the vast consequences of those decisions. I pray for your leadership.
As a grandfather, I urge you to consider the incredible legacy you can establish as governor. Rise to this occasion, set a new course, and define your tenure in a manner that will inspire reverence from future generations.
My goal in writing to you is simple: I want my granddaughters to know the Florida my grandparents knew, and that I know. Florida’s natural heritage is their birthright. It is a sacred obligation to conserve that for them.
History offers you a moment to lead in conserving natural Florida. Please take it.
Joe Murphy is a native and lifelong Floridian who lives along Florida’s Nature Coast. Joe is a nature writer, conservationist, and grandfather. You can follow Joe on Facebook: https://bit.ly/joemurphyfacebook
