Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight south Florida's wild and wonderful national parks--Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, and Everglades--during National Park Week and the National Park Service Centennial. American Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and historian Wallace Stegner is quoted as having said that our national parks were ``the best idea we have ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.'' Indeed, south Florida is supremely fortunate to have Superintendent Pedro Ramos in charge of Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks. Superintendent Ramos understands and appreciates the importance of public access, the importance of the public's experiences, and the importance of continuing to reconnect the people of south Florida with the natural lands and waters that surround and support our community. Ultimately, enhancing public access and recreational opportunities in our national parks are vital to conserving America's natural and cultural heritage. That is why I am so troubled, Mr. Speaker, by the fishing access restrictions included in the 2015 general management plan of another iconic south Florida park, Biscayne National Park. The plan's marine reserve zone imposes a permanent moratorium on fishing across 10,500 acres of State waters, including 30 percent of the reef tract, denying fishing access to families and professional fishermen alike, without adequate scientific evidence to back it up.…”