Take action now to protect the panther refuge

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Robert Carey
Michael Ornella II

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Yes, I would like to receive periodic updates and communications from Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

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To [Decision Maker],

I oppose the Bellmar development, permit application #SAJ-2024-01593 (SP-MAO). I am asking that you deny the request for a Section 404 permit because this development will have unacceptable impacts on endangered and threatened species, wetlands, public lands, and other natural resources.

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Unacceptable, negative impacts of this project include:

Most critically, the development project would destroy more than 1,800 acres of Florida panther habitat essential to its survival and recovery. The entire site is "Primary Zone" panther habitat which scientists describe as the most important for this species.

Bellmar would narrow and degrade one of only two north-south corridors that is essential to maintaining panther movement. Adding more than 4,000 new homes plus strip malls into this area will increase panther avoidance of this critical linkage.

Panther-vehicle collisions are the top known cause of mortality for panthers, yet Bellmar would add at least 45,000 additional daily vehicle trips on already-deadly roadways, according to the applicant's documents.

The site is heavily utilized by many types of protected wildlife. There is an existing crested caracara nest near the center of the project, as well as its associated territory, that should be protected.

The project proposes to directly destroy over 130 acres of wetlands, which are important wildlife habitat, water storage, and filtration lands.

The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, which is only about 1 mile away from the Bellmar project, would be impacted greatly if the permit is awarded. This area is critical to the Florida panther and so many additional flora and fauna! The Refuge has previously expressed concerns that the project could endanger their continued use of prescribed fire to manage the 26,000 acre preserve for the benefit of panthers and their prey. They have also expressed concerns that development in this area could degrade water quality, increase panther-human interactions, and other impacts.

Bellmar is just south of the proposed Rural Lands West development, another massive construction project in Florida panther habitat.

These threats likely rise to the level of jeopardy for species like the Florida panther, bringing the cat's future into question.

The Bellmar project is a direct threat to the integrity of the Greater Western Everglades ecosystem.

The proposed Bellmar project will have irreversible impacts on water resources, public lands, and our wildlife. Thank you for considering my comments and I ask that you deny the requested permit.

Sincerely,
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[Your Email]