Multiple readers have shared opinions about the federal goverment researching the feasibility of a Florida National Park, which would encompass the Ocala National Forest and other local parks.
“There are several parks and springs and nice areas within the forest that largely go underutilized much of the time. Use those. Don’t open it up and develop it and destroy the beauty already there. So many times politicians ‘promise’ great things but then what actually happens is a travesty! Florida has got enough problems with infrastructure without inviting hundreds of thousands or more people into already overwhelmed roads. Concentrate on the real problems that we have and quit trying to gloss over potentially destructive outcomes.” – Alan Zmek, Ocala
“Pease NO!! I can’t believe that anyone would think we are able to be good stewards of this land when we cannot even handle the condition of our roadways, the increase of traffic from new developments. The amount of dead animals on the roads has increased due to their habitat being destroyed by short term greed. We don’t need the Feds coming in and putting more controls on this State and plundering the natural resources. Send the visitors to the beach, a cruse or Disney not our forest.” – Sherilyn Fuentes, Dunnellon
“I have so many lifelong memories of the Forrest. It has been changing over decades and not for the better. Many of us enjoy nature as it was intended and unfortunately as with nearly all our parks around the nation humanities intrusion and disrepsect for our natural treasures continues to degrade what lands remain. We do not need intervention in this manner and in all honesty am for limited access in some areas and more control over vehicles and the damage they are causing in many areas there. The agenda hiding in this, especially after De Santis proposals in other areas , should cause much room for thought.” – Claire M Bishop, Polk City
“My mother used to live in Florida, and I have been there many times. I have seen all of Florida. I think a National Park in Ocala is a wonderful idea. It will preserve the natural beauty of the area, which is unique and should be protected. Reservations should only be optional for any national park. If campgrounds need reservations, so be it, but always leave spaces open for those who don’t make one. I remember spur-of-the-moment trips for my family were always fun. Wiki-watchi was a favorite stop, very interesting. So was Monkey Jungle and the parrot place near Miami.” – Julia Clark, Bakersfield
“We can complain all we want. As long as they are making many dollars on these builds they will do it no matter what we the people request. They don’t care about the animals, nature and the people that enjoy country life. It’s a shame and they isn’t a damn thing we can do about it.” – Bill Goin, Silver Springs
“Do not allow easier access to the Ocala National Forest because people always, not sometimes, always destroy nature as they interact with it.” – Thomas Manning, Fort Lauderdale