- October 17, 2024
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Dear Editor:
This summer citizens across Florida rose up in protest of the Florida DEP plan for changes to nine of our state parks, allowing development of golf courses, hotels, pickleball and disc golf venues in our natural, beautiful state parks. With enormous citizen opposition the plan was withdrawn. Now, it is time for citizens to stand up once again, and vote “NO” on Amendment 2.
This not so “innocently” worded “Right to Fish and Hunt” proposed Amendment 2 seeks to preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of ‘traditional means” as a public right, and as a “preferred means”of controlling fish and wildlife.
Like many Florida constitutional amendments put before voters – the “devil is in the details.” So, I encourage you to do your own research if you do not want to believe me on this one. Look up the definition of the term “traditional means.” It includes barbaric practices such as: steel jaw traps, snares, clubbing, hunting with hounds and gill nets. These methods have been deemed cruel, and for 30 years Florida has banned gill nets that decimate fish population and kill whales, dolphins, sea turtles and seabirds.
Florida law already protects the rights of individuals to hunt and fish. There is no need for this constitutional amendment. This amendment can be used to expand hunting into state parks and wildlife preserves – animals’ only refuge in the wake of overdevelopment. And, the amendment could potentially supersede private property rights.
False advertising: I have seen on major networks claims that environmental groups support Amendment 2. Do not be fooled by “fake” advertising. The Sierra Club opposes Amendment 2. Vote No on Amendment 2.
Rob Bridger
Political chair, Sierra Club/Volusia-Flagler Group
