HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Tamarac Resolution R-97-2071
Temp. Reso #7985
CITY OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA
RESOLUTION NO. R-97- •2,0 7
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION
OF THE EVERGLADES RIVER OF GRASS AS AN AMERICAN
HERITAGE RIVER; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Everglades, a unique River of Grass, is like no other ecosystem in
the world; and
WHEREAS, the Everglades River of Grass is a World Heritage Site, provides habitat
for 56 endangered or threatened species and is a crown jewel of the United Nations' Man
in the Biosphere Program; and
WHEREAS, the Everglades River of Grass flows through sawgrass marshes, pine,
forested islands, mangroves, wet prairies, and low lying coastal waters from the Kissimmee
River, southward through Florida Bay, to America's only coral reef; and
WHEREAS, Broward County is a county in South Florida with approximately 1.4
million people who depend upon the Everglades River of Grass for a healthy environment
and economy; and
WHEREAS, in Broward County, the Everglades River of Grass encompasses over
two-thirds of the county; and
WHEREAS, Broward County residents depend upon the Everglades River of Grass
to replenish the Biscayne Aquifer, the sole source of drinking water for over five million
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Temp. Reso #7985
people in South Florida; and
WHEREAS, the Everglades River of Grass attracts millions of tourists to South
Florida bringing over $16 billion in direct economic benefits and providing Broward County
residents and tourists with recreational and ecotourism benefits, such as fishing, boating,
and bird -watching; and
WHEREAS, the Everglades River of Grass is the lifeblood of South Florida's river
systems, including the Miami River, the Kissimmee River, the Caloosahatchee River, St.
Lucie River, Shark River Slough, Taylor Slough, and the New River, Broward County's
major fresh water river system; and
WHEREAS, the Everglades River of Grass has been declared to be the nation's
most threatened ecosystem; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida has
determined that restoring the Everglades River of Grass is essential for the economic and
environmental sustainability of five million residents of South Florida; and
WHEREAS, President Clinton and the United States Congress support restoring the
Everglades River of Grass through the most ambitious ecosystem restoration initiative in
the world; and
WHEREAS, the American Heritage Rivers designation will bestow upon the
Everglades River of Grass a special recognition that will build support for its restoration;
and
WHEREAS, the American Heritage Rivers initiative would serve to recognize the
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Temp. Reso #7985
Everglades River of Grass in the 50th Anniversary of its National Park designation; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida deems it to be in
the best interests of the citizens and residents of the City of Tamarac to support the
designation of the Everglades River of Grass as an "American Heritage River".
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1: That the foregoing "WHEREAS" clauses are hereby ratified and
confirmed as being true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution.
$.EQTION 2: The City of Tamarac supports the designation of the Everglades River
of Grass as an "American Heritage River".
SECTION 3: The City of Tamarac requests President Clinton and the Commission
on Environmental Quality to designate the Everglades River of Grass as an American
Heritage River, (hereto attached as "Exhibit A").
SECTION 4• All resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed to the extent of such conflict.
SECTION 5: If any clause, section, other part or application of this Resolution is
held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, in part or
application, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions or applications of this
Resolution.
SECTION 6: This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage
and adoption.
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Temp. Reso #7985
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this /0 day of 5-90t� , 1997.
ATTEST:
CAROL A. EVANS
City Clerk
I HEREBY CERTIFY that I have
approved this RESOLUTION as,
ITCFiELL S.
ity Attorney
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7525 NORTHWEST $$th AVENUE - TAMARAC, FLORIDA 33321-2401
TELEPHONE: (954) 724-1221 - FAX: (954) 724-1226
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OFFICE OF
THE MAYOR
JOE SCHREIBER
September 10, 1997
The Honorable William J. Clinton
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of the Tamarac City Commission, we are writing to request that you
designate the Everglades River of Grass as an "American Heritage River".
As you are aware, the Everglades River of Grass is unlike any other ecosystem
in the world. It has been declared a "Wetland of International Significance," an
International Biosphere Reserve, and is known internationally as the world's only "River
of Grass". This unique river is seldom more than 2 feet deep and flows through 300
miles of sawgrass marshes, pine forested islands, mangroves, wet prairies, and low
lying coastal waters from the Kissimmee southward through Florida Bay to America's
only coral reef. It also provides habitat for 56 threatened or endangered species.
The River of Grass has played a vital role in South Florida's natural and cultural
history. It provides the ultimate example of the interrelationship of society, the
economy, and the natural environment. The uniqueness of the Everglades inspired its
designation as a National Park and has earned its recognition on an international scale.
This year the Everglades National Park celebrates its 50th anniversary. In keeping with
the environmental and economic significance and the upcoming anniversary
celebration, the Tamarac City Commission requests that you bestow upon the
Everglades a truly fitting title, "American Heritage River."
Designation of the Everglades as an American Heritage River will bring
recognition not only for its attributes but for its plight. The Everglades is currently
America's most endangered ecosystem. It has been damaged by drainage, has lost
90% of its wading bird population and desperately qualifies for protection, revitalization,
and restoration as one of America's great rivers. This action will bestow upon the River
of Grass special recognition that will help to build public and political support for full
restoration of this valuable ecosystem.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAPPED STATUS
f< -I C�A- C." 1.
•
The Honorable William J.
September 10, 1997
Page 2
Clinton, President
Marjory Stoneman Douglas said in her book The Everglades River of Grass,
"there are no other Everglades in the world." Yet our Everglades is struggling every
day. This designation will serve as a catalyst to garner the national support necessary
to transform the Everglades River of Grass from the most endangered ecosystem in
America to the premier example of the world's most successful ecosystem restoration
initiative in history.
Thank you for considering the City of Tamarac's request to designate the
Everglades River of Grass as an American Heritage River. Attached is a copy of a
resolution that was unanimously passed by the Commission today to express the
importance of this designation, not only for Tamarac but for South Florida.
JS:ea
Attachment
cc: City Commissioners
Very truly yours,
Je'Schreiber, Mayor
City of Tamarac