Don't Build Walmart on Endangered Forest Lands!
- by: Chris Wolverton
- recipient: Florida Federal Wildlife Agents
The University of Miami recently sold 88 acres of endangered Florida rockland to Ram, a Palm Beach County developer who plans to build a Walmart, surrounding shopping center, and apartments in its place.
The forest land sold in this transaction is part of Miami-Dade County's last intact areas of rockland, and is home to rare plants, insects and animals found nowhere else in the world. Earlier in July, wildlife rescuers explored the area to find rare species of butterflies, including the Atala hairstreak which almost went extinct last century.
Developer Ram claims that the area offers a "unique chance to create." But there's nothing unique about the ubiquitous chain stores he plans to build after tearing down a habitat that truly IS unique to the area. The shopping center will include an LA Fitness Center, Chik-Fil-A and Chili's restaurant as well as a 158,000 square foot Walmart and 900 apartments.
The University's decision to sell the land they claimed to be protecting was short sighted. Their decision will end up driving species to extinction and destroying something irreplaceable and unique to the area in order to support a shopping center no one needs. They are doing a disservice to students, scientists and others who would like to explore and study wildlife. Anyone who wants to "explore" a Walmart can do so at one of several other locations that already exist near Miami.
Please sign the petition to urge Florida's federal wildlife officials to step in and put an end to this damaging project before endangered forest lands are ruined forever!
As you are probably aware, the University of Miami recently sold 88 acres of endangered Florida rockland to Ram, a Palm Beach County developer who plans to build a Walmart, surrounding shopping center, and apartments in its place.
As you know, the forest land sold in this transaction is part of Miami-Dade County's last intact areas of rockland, and is home to rare plants, insects and animals found nowhere else in the world. Earlier in July, wildlife rescuers explored the area to find rare species of butterflies, including the Atala hairstreak which almost went extinct last century.
Developer Ram claims that the area offers a "unique chance to create." But there's nothing unique about the ubiquitous chain stores he plans to build after tearing down a habitat that truly IS unique to the area. The shopping center will include an LA Fitness Center, Chik-Fil-A and Chili's restaurant as well as a 158,000 square foot Walmart and 900 apartments.
We believe that the University's decision to sell the land they claimed to be protecting was short sighted. Their decision will end up driving species to extinction and destroying something irreplaceable and unique to the area in order to support a shopping center no one needs. They are doing a disservice to students, scientists and others who would like to explore and study wildlife. Anyone who wants to "explore" a Walmart can do so at one of several other locations that already exist near Miami.
We respectfully urge you to investigate this matter and put an end to any inappropriate developments before Florida's forest lands and wildlife are lost forever. Thank you for taking this time to read and consider our petition.
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