RE: SAJ-2021-02336 (SP-  MIB)

To the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers,

Last Stand of the Florida Keys is a non-profit organization that was established to preserve the Florida Keys and ensure a sustainable future for all. We advocate to promote, preserve, and protect the quality of life in the Florida Keys, with particular emphasis on the natural environment.

We would like to express our concerns for permit SAJ-2021-02336 (SP-  MIB) submitted by  Floridian Holdings, LLC  to dredge and fill and remove protected red mangroves.

The Florida Keys represent one of the most ecologically sensitive and biodiverse regions in the United States. The coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests that characterize this area are vital to the local wildlife. The proposed dredging and filling would disrupt critical habitats, causing harm to species that are already under pressure from overdevelopment, climate change and other environmental stresses.

Dredge and fill activities were discontinued in the Florida Keys back in the 1970s. We are still suffering the negative impacts of those dredge and fill activities from that era.

The applicant claims the purpose of the project is to restore waterflow. The request is to remove 1,500 sf of road, 9,100 sf of red mangrove, 15,275 sf of additional dredging, and then backfill the edges of the new opening to support a bridge. This proposal would result in an excessive negative environmental impact to restore flow. Other projects throughout the Keys have placed culverts when restoring waterflow. Culverts would allow for a much smaller impact and would allow for a larger preservation of the red mangroves. One of the largest threats to red mangroves is coastal development. Red mangroves have many biological functions including providing habitat for fish, crustaceans, birds, mammals and reptiles even if they are of “low-structure”. They also serve as a food source, provide storm protection, and recycle nutrients.

We respectfully request that you deny this dredge and fill project.  We would suggest that the developer explore alternative methods that would have a lesser impact on the environment. We advocate for a more thorough analysis of less intrusive options and a detailed plan to mitigate any potential negative effects on the ecosystem.

Thank you for considering our concerns. We hope that the Army Corps of Engineers will prioritize the preservation of the Florida Keys' unique environment and the well-being of its communities in your decision-making process.

For the Board of Last Stand

Ann Olsen, President

Last Stand is a non-profit organization of volunteer citizens interested in preserving the Florida Keys' unique quality of life and fragile, beautiful natural environment. We have worked tirelessly since 1987 to protect Key West and the Florida Keys.

Last Stand • P.O. Box 146 • Key West, FL 33041      www.keyslaststand.org