The World Edition - Enviornment - The Impact of Coastal Development

The Impact of Coastal Development

By Alexander H. Johnstone
SEPTEMBER 4, 2007

The twenty-first century has brought about an entirely new way of thinking and going about the world. Many of this past century's accomplishments have been beyond extraordinary and many have been less than so. Unfortunately, in some areas of concern, the current rising generation is faced with problems caused by our ancestors. Here in the twenty-first century, it is becoming more and more evident that the preservation of our land should take priority over the raw development of it. This is especially true along our fragile coasts and it is time we focus less on our paychecks and more on our planet.

A current site of controversy between developers and environmentalists is Taylor County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. This is the location of the $700 million Magnolia Bay Marina and Resort development. Due to the large amount of land owned by the state in this upper west coast of Florida, this area is commonly referred to as the ‘Nature Coast.’ The state of Florida owns over 90% of natural coastline.

According to an environmentalist group, 1000 Friends of Florida, this large development would destroy the state’s largest sea grasses aquatic reserve. The developers, Dr. J. Crayton Pruitt and Secret Promise Ltd., claimed that they would replenish any sea grass and other natural habitat destroyed during the construction. However, the natural existence of these organisms would undoubtedly be disturbed.

As a result, environmentalists from around the nation disapproved and ultimately the county commission declined the proposed development. Playing within the rules, the development is currently planned to include a resort with a golf course rather than the marina. Therefore, Taylor County will still receive the economic development they are seeking and the sea grass will remain untouched.

There are a wide variety of reasons that coastal preservation may not be a priority for developers. Perhaps the simplest explanation lies in the lack of incentives, particularly financial ones. In order for a developer to be environmentally conscious, the developer must either adhere to a team of advisors yelling down his throat or simply possess a respect for nature. The second is much more difficult to come by when millions of dollars can be made.

When Dr. Pruitt spoke of his development team's environmental consideration, he remarked, "Well, we followed all the rules the environmentalists told us to follow, but it wasn't good enough."

It is as if the sea grass exists as nothing more than an obstacle in the construction process. In actuality, this particular plant is a vital part of a preserved ecosystem, but such a matter does not concern the developers.

There are too many vulnerable coasts across the globe facing this same dilemma. It is time that the environment is given extra consideration before it is too late. There is still hope for our planet's natural beauty and those who have the highest respect for it.