Benchmarks: November 16, 1990: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is established
by Bethany Augliere Friday, October 12, 2018
Designated in November 1990, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects nearly 10,000 square kilometers of ocean surrounding the islands, including North America s only barrier reef. Credit: K. Cantner, AGI.
Off the tip of the Florida Peninsula lies the world’s third-largest living coral reef, the Great Florida Reef. The only barrier reef system in North America, it is composed of a system of individual reefs that together extend 270 kilometers south of Miami through the Florida Keys, a crescent-shaped chain of more than 1,500 islands, about 30 of which are inhabited. This ecological treasure is home to more than 6,000 species of marine life, including colorful fish and endangered sea turtles, as well as extensive seagrass beds, mangrove islands and about 1,000 shipwrecks.
increase font size
U.S. announces major conservation effort but offers few details
Many landowners and commercial users of public lands are leery of President Biden s attempts to more than double the conserved area.
By Sarah Kaplan and Juliet EilperinThe Washington Post
Share
WASHINGTON Months after President Biden set a goal of conserving 30 percent of the nation’s land and waters by 2030, the administration Thursday laid out broad principles – but few details – for achieving that vision.
The new 22-page document from the Commerce, Interior and Agriculture Departments highlights one of the Biden administration’s central challenges: Having committed to bold environmental goals during their early days in power, officials now face the more uncertain and contentious task of figuring out how to follow through on those ambitions.
By SARAH KAPLAN AND JULIET EILPERIN | The Washington Post | Published: May 6, 2021 WASHINGTON Months after President Joe Biden set a goal of conserving 30% of the nation s land and waters by 2030, the administration on Thursday laid out broad principles but few details for achieving that vision. The new 22-page document from the Departments of Commerce, Interior and Agriculture highlights one of the Biden administration s central challenges: Having committed to bold environmental goals during their early days in power, officials now face the more uncertain and contentious task of figuring out how to follow through on those ambitions. The America the Beautiful report outlines steps the United States could take to protect key areas on land and in the sea to restore biodiversity, tackle climate change and make natural spaces more accessible to all Americans.
Published: Thursday, May 6, 2021
Ear Mountain Conservation Management Area. Photo credit: Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management
The Ear Mountain Conservation Management Area near Lewistown, Mont. Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management
The Biden administration today unveiled the framework for its ambitious conservation plan, emphasizing the role of voluntary efforts by states, private landowners and tribal nations over an expansion of the federal estate.
The 24-page report also rebrands the proposal often called 30x30 for its goal of setting aside 30% of the nation s lands and waters by 2030 into a 10-year America the Beautiful campaign. The document offers broad strokes about how to reach its aim, leaving for later some key details.
Erie County s effort to have the waters of Lake Erie classified as a national marine sanctuary will stay under federal consideration for another five years.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has agreed to keep the county s proposal in its inventory of sites to be considered for the formal designation, through at least 2026, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper s office said Thursday.
Local officials first sought the designation in 2016. It would protect 76.6 miles of shoreline, 759 square miles of the lake s central basin and more than 100 shipwreck sites.
Applicants, however, are required to resubmit their proposals after five years have elapsed, which local officials have done.