Our overall impression of the latest meeting of Shell Key stakeholders was that most participants are willing to compromise on key issues – while the county staff was competent, thoughtful and willing to consider practical public input for the plan updates.
The turnout for the April 25th Shell Key Stakeholders meeting was excellent – due in large part to good communication by county staff who sent letters, emails and even had a lighted road sign to mark the meeting location. About 30 citizens registered to speak during the “public comments” part of the meeting. Although I was completely unprepared to speak publicly, I spoke long enough to make clear our primary concerns regarding the proposed updates.
Will Davis, Bureau Director (DEM) presided over the meeting and did a great job keeping the pace – as well as the peace. We heard a concise history of the management plan from Ms. Pam Leasure (Shell Key Preserve Land Manager, DEM) and then a presentation on the plight of the Red Knot by Ms. Nancy Douglas (FFWC). Dr. Steven Harper, Research Director (DEM) discussed the changing ecology and natural history of the island. Ms. Leasure followed up with a report on the challenges associated with preserve management. Finally, Sgt. Glenn Wilson, PCSO gave a presentation on crime statistics and showed a video of some of the most extreme violations that have occurred.
After all the presentations, Dr. Bruce Rinker gave us a review of the 16 suggestions that have been received for consideration during the drafting process of the plan updates.
We find ourselves in agreement with some of the suggestions while we find others to be inappropriate. However, in an effort to keep a clear focus on our priorities, we will limit our official suggestions to the camping issue – while also making comments on the other issues listed.
Public Comments
The public comments at this meeting represented the entire spectrum of opinion – from zero-tolerance conservation to disgruntled recreational users. We all came to this meeting with our own bias and agendas. There were a few brief moments of tension as some of the audience responded to the more extreme views. However, I was struck by the willingness of several people on on “both sides” of the room to show deference to opposing views and be receptive to reasonable compromise.
I was the third person called to speak at the meeting. In an effort to be polite and recognize the other 30 speakers, I tried to limit my comments to the camping issue. I may have omitted some key points in our overall plan to balance sustainable preservation with public access, but I thought it would be better to keep it simple and to the point.
I was immensely gratified to receive positive responses to my suggestions from several of the Audubon society members who recognize our effort to meet our responsibilities through regulated camping and public outreach. As someone who advocates continued, responsible camping on Shell Key, I was grateful for the encouraging words from Dave Kantz, Preservation Chair and Lorraine Margeson of the Audubon Society.
Ms. Margeson also made a poignant suggestion when she challenged the representatives of the boaters’ community to actively participate in preservation as part of their responsibility to this preserve. We hear you, Lorraine, and we pledge to promote a policy that makes boaters and campers part of the solution on Shell Key.
Dave Reynard, recreational boater, gave us a healthy dose of skepticism about many of the assumptions about preservation and reported lawlessness. As a former law enforcement official who spent decades patrolling Shell Key, his insights represented a reasonable challenge to the assumption that human activity is a primary hindrance to preservation. Mr. Reynard effectively put Shell Key preservation in context with the larger challenges facing the tampa bay area. This point was also made by some Audubon society members who point out the need for a broader focus for effective preservation.
Having started with very different agendas, I am delighted that we have been able to develop a respect and genuine appreciation for each others’ concerns.
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