Perspective: Protect the Pasco coast

Florida and Pasco County worked together for more than a dozen years to turn 3,400 acres of privately owned land into what is now being developed as a coastal park just west of U.S. 19 in Port Richey and Bayonet Point. So, why stop now? The state shouldn't bypass a new opportunity to expand preservation in western Pasco County, where almost half of the 18-mile coast has been developed.

The Department of Environmental Protection and the Nature Coast chapter of the Sierra Club identified 1,446 acres of tidal marshes, salt barrens and mangrove forests stretching from Holiday to Hudson that are worthy of acquisition through the Florida Forever land-buying program.

But, in a 3-3 vote Thursday, the state's Acquisition and Restoration Council -- consisting of two gubernatorial appointees and the directors of several state agencies with environmental responsibilities -- declined to add the Pasco project to its acquisition list. Some said the land already is protected by construction limits of one home per 40 acres of coastal land. Other objections included the lack of a local management plan and local financial contribution, and the scattered location of the parcels rather than a large contiguous site.

Though some of the land is undevelopable, it still merits state protection. Heavy development along the edges of Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties makes the Pasco County coast an important feeding and resting area for migrating birds. The area's wetland plants help protect the gulf's water quality by filtering surface runoff and also provide habitat for shrimp, crabs, fish and organisms at the foundation of the estuary's food chain. The sea grass beds serve as nurseries for fish and feeding sites for manatees and sea turtles.

The environmental benefits are plentiful, but so too are the costs. The public may have to swallow hard when a bill comes due. Eight of the parcels have appraised values totaling $2.7-million. (The Sierra Club wants a total of 40 sites protected.) One property owner already scoffed at the listed appraisal.

Don't expect the cost to get any cheaper. The state should pursue purchase of the western Pasco parcels while they still are available. And the county should offer a greater commitment if it is serious about preserving its natural coast land.

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