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Nov. 20, 2016 — The Florida Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee debated and passed two controversial bills and considered Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Jon Steverson for confirmation. Secretary Steverson received many questions from Senators and criticism from environmentalists regarding his approach to managing the state park system. Controversial proposals related to sustaining the park system budget by permitting hunting, cattle, and timber operations on park lands have been widely criticized by environmental advocates. The committee confirmed the Secretary with one dissenting vote. His confirmation now goes to the full Senate. FANN thanks Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne) for his questions regarding funding of Florida Forever.
DEP Reorganization Bill Passes First Committee — The Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee passed SB 400 by Senator Alan Hays (R-Umatilla) relating to the organizational structure of DEP. This bill strikes most of the Offices and Divisions currently required by statute and gives the Secretary of the agency unbridled authority to establish and abolish Offices and Divisions. The Office of General Counsel is retained because it is required by chapter 120 of the Florida Statutes. Additionally, the Division of State Lands is retained because it is required by the Florida Constitution. But other Offices and Divisions would no longer be mandated, including the Division of Recreation and Parks.
The House bill, HB 561 by Representative Neil Combee (R-Auburndale), received three committee references but has not been heard.
SB 400 has two committees remaining.
Florida’s state parks are world renowned and are the nation’s only three-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in the management of state park systems.
Information provided to us by the Florida Audubon Society.
Related media reports:
Miami Herald article on senate confirmation of Steverson
State lands director quits amid questions about parks contract/2251509
State parks being reviewed for hunting potential
FDEP timber harvest contract questions
Republican Senator Latvala criticizes hunting proposals for state parks