By Abigail Reed, Audubon Florida’s Write for Climate program
When I first visited Hernando County, I was amazed by how much land is preserved and managed for wildlife. The sheer amount of different bird species I have seen here in nature preserves and parks got me hooked on bird watching.
Weekiwachee Preserve is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and provides a link in the Gulf Coast wildlife corridor, which spans from Hudson to Crystal River. The preserve is a notable habitat for Florida black bear and is home to threatened birds like the Marian’s marsh wren and Scott’s seaside sparrow.
The water management district has been discussing a lease of Weekiwachee Preserve to Hernando County since October 2022 with the intent being to lease 350 acres of the 11,206 acres to the county for five years with potential fee-title ownership of the area. Among many of the proposed improvements, Hernando County plans to construct a swimming/beach area.
The water management district previously objected to the creation of a swimming area. I applaud the district for its continued disapproval of high-intensity recreation on preserved lands in the interest of wildlife and water quality. Weekiwachee Preserve must remain a place for passive recreation that minimizes impact to wildlife land.
Residents of Hernando County have access to parks with designated swimming areas already. Remaining preserved land within wildlife corridors should be kept protected with minimal human impacts. Concerned citizens should attend the Weeki Wachee River Summit on May 3 to learn more about efforts to restore and protect this river and its future.
Abigail Reed is a student at the University of South Florida. She plans to graduate in May with a major in environmental science and policy. This piece was written for Audubon Florida’s Write for Climate program.
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