Thank You!

River of Grass Greenway

Posted At : June 26, 2008 3:49 PM | Posted By : Jim Coletta
Related Categories: Issues

The River of Grass Greenway is as multi-use pathway across Florida's Everglades along the Tamiami trail, proposed by Naples Pathways Coalition.

Last month I sponsored a BCC resolution that emphasized the economic and environmental importance of the project to Collier County and that it "warrants the full cooperation of this county, tribal, state and federal agencies as private property owners alike."

As it also reads in the resolution, The River of Grass Greenway is an unprecedented project that will increase the awareness of the Everglades and aid in the process of securing state and federal appropriations and support from the general public to restore, preserve and protect this valuable ecosystem.(...)

More information:

Some comments I received in my inbox from residents in Collier County:

Thank you so much for bringing the River Of Grass Greenway resolution to the table for discussion.

This project would be a huge undertaking and needs a clear, long term vision guided by skilled, articulate leaders like you who truly care about the Everglades.

With careful planning during development, the ROGG has the potential to become one of the States and I would venture to say one of this Countries best examples of how to provide access to an environmentally sensitive area. Access for education and access to simply experience one of natures wonders first hand in a sustainable environmentally friendly manner.

Just a note of thanks in advance for presenting the River of Grass Greenway (ROGG) resolution at tomorrow's meeting. I believe that this is a very important resolution, one that will help the economy in this area and provide a safer means for bicyclists and pedestrians who travel along the Trail. Just last week while driving to Naples, I passed four different groups of bicyclists riding along US 41. As gas prices continue to be high and more and more people are touring this country and state by bicycle, the need for such a safe pathway becomes even more urgent.

I am writing you to express my gratitude for sponsoring and presenting
a Commission resolution recognizing the economic and environmental
significance of the River of Grass Greenway (ROGG).

I believe ROGG is an idea whose time has come. With gas prices soaring
and Baby Boomers aging and retiring, there has been a great interest
in non-motorized pathways for transportation and recreation. This
project is in its formative stage, and it is complicated by the fact
that it involves so many stakeholder groups, but Collier County's
endorsement of the ROGG concept will surely propel it forward, and it
will result in a corridor that will provide benefits for the citizens
of Collier County for decades to come.

Thank you for supporting the River of Grass Greenway Resolution in an
effort to make the only road across South Florida more accessible and
safer to pedestrians and cyclists.

Now I would like to thank you again, for sponsoring the River of Grass Greenway Resolution! It is a subject near and dear to my heart, as I firmly believe that eco tourism is very important to Collier County. This greenway would make the only road across south Florida safe and accessible for our tourists (and our own residents) to do photography, bird watching, hiking and cycling and would be a wonderful community resource!

Thank you for helping this to move towards reality.
Bit by bit, Collier County can join the ranks of pedestrian and
bicyclist-friendly places.