[at-l] Critical Florida Parcel Shot Down (OT)

[RoksnRoots at aol.com (RoksnRoots@aol.com)]

        A 90,000 acre Florida parcel slated for conservation was shot down by 
the landowner recently. The Babcock Ranch, a 90,000 acre property of 
sub-tropical lands and habitat was taken from public acquisition after the landowner 
decided the $1.3 billion appraisal was too far above the $400 million offered 
by the state and local interests. Babcock Ranch was the object of a big private 
fund drive over the last few years and the deal was expected to go through. 


       The lot was considered critical for the survival of the Florida 
Panther and was also part of a greenway designed to go east to west from Lake 
Okeechobee. It was also an important buffer for the second fastest sprawl area in 
America. The area also serves as a critical water recharge zone. 

         A recent development "boom" in the area has lead to escalating land 
values...