News-Press

September 24, 2011

Guest opinion: Support water storage and Joe Collins

Editor's note: Joe Collins is vice president of Lykes Bros. Inc., and chairman of the South Florida Water Management District. The landowner the author describes in the article is Lykes.

Re: "Editorial: Revote on Lykes contract," Sept. 21.

The News-Press editorial on the South Florida Water Management District dispersed water storage project was correct in saying the program offers important public environmental benefits.

Audubon estimates the public is getting a very good deal at $87 per acre foot for water storage - far cheaper than building reservoirs. This project is 800 percent larger than a similar impoundment the district is building on its own for more than $76 million plus operating expenses.

The $2.1 million annual payment to the landowner for the Nicodemus Slough project represents a very sound investment in storing and cleaning water.

However, the editorial erred with regard to Joe Collins. Mr. Collins has served with distinction on the water district's governing board.

He filled a seat representing the vast agricultural acreage surrounding Lake Okeechobee and was supported by most Everglades restoration advocates including Audubon of Florida.

The thankless role of unpaid citizen volunteer sitting on the governing board is a tough job to fill. The district Mr. Collins represents went unrepresented for many months as Governor Crist sought an appointee to be the lone voice for agriculture on the board.

Mr. Collins took on the role reluctantly knowing that as an employee of one the region's large landowners he would face many challenges.

He has handled those challenges honorably and admirably.

Audubon has not always agreed with Mr. Collins' votes, but we have found him to be as honest and straightforward a public servant as any who have served on the South Florida Water Management District board.

We know he shares our objectives for restoration of the Everglades and the protection of South Florida's water and natural resources. We should all cheer citizen volunteers such as Mr. Collins who pull themselves away from family and work to carry out the public's business.

We need more like him. Audubon of Florida disagrees strongly with your editorial's demand that Joe Collins step down from the SFWMD board. He should continue to serve and continue to exercise the outstanding leadership that has been a hallmark of his term thus far.

— Eric Draper is executive director, Audubon of Florida.