Multiple‐Use Conflicts in a Growing Economy

Abstract

Southwest Florida contains extensive beaches, barrier islands, estuaries, and wetlands. It has experienced rapid population growth and urbanization which have been in conflict with the natural systems of the region. This paper discusses conflicts between development and the environment, reviews selected legislation, and gives a review of four cases of conflict: Rookery Bay, the Florida Keys, the Big Cypress Area, and Charlotte Harbor. Common to all cases are valuable ecosystems tied to the quantity and quality of land and water resources, but which have experienced rapid urbanization and depletion of those resources. Several important state and federal laws are reviewed which provide management approaches for controlling development and protecting resources and the environment. The paper emphasizes the role of engineers and planners in balancing the economy and the environment, and suggests that they should play a major role in further strengthening legislation to protect environmental values.