Sarasota County working to implement mangrove preservation act

Sarasota County is currently in the process of developing a local program to implement the State of Florida's 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, on behalf of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and is seeking public input.

The goals of developing a county program include a local presence for permitting, compliance, education and outreach. The county ordinance will be based on the state act, allowing for rights of water view and conservation of mangrove resources vital to our coastal community.

Along with the county ordinance, the local program would include a mangrove trimming and preservation ordinance, a professional trimmer education and certification program along with education and outreach for residents. In preparation for this delegation from the state, input from local residents on the topic of mangrove trimming and permitting is needed.

"We are hoping to use this feedback to assist our efforts in creating a public outreach and education program," said Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Alyssa Vinson. "Public input is vital for this process."