Parks Group Calls for Inclusive Process to Protect Big Cypress National Preserve

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Amid ongoing community conversation in South Florida regarding a potential federal wilderness designation for sections of Big Cypress National Preserve, Marisa Carrozzo, National Parks Conservation Association Senior Coastal and Wildlife Program Manager, issued the following statement:

“For decades, the one-of-a-kind natural wonders of Big Cypress National Preserve have suffered a slow, steady degradation. Oil and gas operations and rampant off-road vehicle use have wreaked havoc across the preserve and threatened its rare species and rich biodiversity. At every turn, National Parks Conservation Association staff, members, and supporters have worked to end this harm to the Preserve, advocating for limits on off-road vehicles and an end to oil and gas activities. Despite years of on-the-ground advocacy and community engagement, this severe decline continues. Seismic survey trucks have mown down cypress trees, leaving paths of destruction in their wake. Miles of unauthorized recreational off-road vehicle damage continues to proliferate in fragile habitats.

"That’s why the National Parks Conservation Association has supported a wilderness designation for select areas of Big Cypress over the years. NPCA views wilderness as a valuable conservation tool for protecting some of the most sensitive areas for imperiled wildlife and habitats. We believe the situation in Big Cypress has become dire, and that designating parts of the preserve as wilderness is one of the pathways to better protect the Preserve’s threatened habitat and wildlife.

"However, NPCA does not and would not support any potential wilderness designation that violates the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida or Seminole Tribe of Florida’s rights to access and live in the Preserve. Tribal rights to customary and traditional use and access are established in the enabling legislation that founded Big Cypress and must be upheld. We have a deep and abiding respect for both Tribal Nations and the unique cultural connection they have with this land.

"The National Park Service can and should continue its work with the Tribes through meaningful government-to-government consultation to honor Tribal interests. Any potential wilderness designation must protect Big Cypress’ ecosystems while simultaneously protecting Tribal rights and access to the land they have stewarded for generations. We are committed to working together to find and apply conservation tools and solutions to protect Big Cypress.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.