Florida Department of Environmental Protection withdraws state park amendments

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has withdrawn the proposals for state parks.

“At the Governor’s direction and following feedback from the public, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has withdrawn all proposed remaining amendments to state parks,” the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Communications Director, confirmed to News Channel 7.

The DEP said the department will shift to discussions with local park managers and will revisit any park improvements as needed, next year.

The goal of the initiative was to expand public access by increasing outdoor activities and providing lodging while also maintaining conservation from the state, however, many residents had spoken out against the DEP’s Great Outdoors Initiative saying that it was a disturbance of wildlife and disregarded conservation efforts .

One-third of the parks featured in the proposal are found in the Panhandle and will no longer be subject to any changes featured in the plan.

Copyright 2024 WJHG. All rights reserved.