Sarasota County working to implement mangrove preservation act

New county program will be based on 1996 state law, but public comments are desired as staff shapes an ordinance

County staff dealt with unauthorized destruction of mangroves in South County in February 2014. Photo courtesy Sarasota County
County staff dealt with unauthorized destruction of mangroves in South County in February 2014. Photo courtesy Sarasota County

Sarasota County staff is developing a local program to implement the State of Florida’s 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, on behalf of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and it is seeking public comments, the county has announced.

The goals envisioned for the county program include its ability to assist with permitting, compliance, education and outreach, a news release says. The county ordinance will be based on the state act, allowing for rights of water view and conservation of mangrove resources vital to the coastal community, the release notes.

The program would encompass a mangrove trimming and preservation ordinance and a professional trimmer education and certification program, the release says.

Comments from local residents on the topic of mangrove trimming and permitting is needed, the release points out.

“We are hoping to use this feedback to assist our efforts in creating a public outreach and education program,” said Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Alyssa Vinson in the release. “Public input is vital for this process.”

Follow this link to offer feedback with a short survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCmangrove.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 861-5000, or visit www.scgov.net.