Crane Point’s planned zip line will destroy what it claims to save
Background:
The Crane Point Board decided, last spring, without requesting member input, and while many Marathon residents were still out of town, that the only solution to its financial woes was to install a zip-line attraction on the 63-acre land trust parcel, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, known as Crane Point Hammock.
The problem:
Crane Point Hammock is too small, fragile, rare and precious to support a zip-line attraction. Visitors who seek a quiet, beautiful refuge – as well as the wildlife and the landscape itself – would be affected negatively by the noisy, intrusive activity of zip-lining, which the board describes as “the thrilling experience of flying along a cable.”
Incongruously the board itself says “The Florida Keys Land and Sea Trust was created in 1976 to save the hardwood hammocks of the Florida Keys. These tropical woodlands, called hammocks, contain both unique hardwood species along with native thatch palms that grow nowhere else in the U.S. In the “flora” category, we have Wild Dilly, Florida Thatch Palm, Barbed Wire Cactus, Lignum Vitae, Red Stopper, and Sea Lavender. In the “fauna” category, we have Great White Heron, Key Vaca Raccoon, Liguus Tree Snail, and White Crowned Pigeon to name a few.”
Why would we want to compromise this unique place?
Why would we risk ruining the “biological gem” and “ecological treasure” that is Crane Point, the Crane Point that residents and visitors have loved for so many years?
About the group:
We are long-time supporters and members of Crane Point, who are deeply concerned not only about the fate of threatened species of plants and animals in the hammock, but the possible financial risk for the taxpayers of Marathon.
Please find out about the issues by reading the articles listed above, and posts to the right. Share your opinions and comments in these pages. Go to the page “how to take action,” and write an email. Join the conversation on Facebook by clicking on the link at the upper right.
You are challenged to show them a better way! If you want don’t want the zip lines come up with a better idea on how Crane Point can keep their doors open. Also, it would be interesting to see how committed those who comment are. State when the last time you visited was or how much you donate? I feel Crane Point is trying to do something…it may not be the best idea but at least they are trying.
Thank you for your comment. Yes, creative ideas for solving Crane Point’s financial problems should be welcomed.
How unfortunate then that the Crane Point Board of Directors never asked the members for ideas. They came to the zip line conclusion secretly, and then published an announcement in the newspaper. That is how the members of Crane Point learned of the zip line proposal.
So our goal is to inform as many people as possible about the importance of this issue to our community. We agree with you when you write “it may not be the best idea.” So we hope we can count on you and other thoughtful members of this community to explore other possibilities, and contribute ideas.
If you read the articles on this website you will see the many pitfalls of this proposal. Damage to the hammock would be irreversible, and Marathon would lose taxpayer money if the project did not fulfill state requirements.
Thanks again. We hope to hear from you and your friends.
Somehow putting a zip line in the Crane Point Hammock reminds me of drilling for oil offshore Alaska above the Arctic Circle. It’s a bad idea. Once the Board takes that step, there’s no going back. The pristine hardwoods, the serene environment, the promise to all generations will never be the same again. A zip line in Marathon may be a great idea, but somewhere else. More visitors to CP may be a great idea, but there are other clever ways to do that (for instance, why not bring the farmers’ market inside the gate once a week, while the cars park out on the strip?)
My husband and I are snowbirds, living on our boat in Boot Key Harbor three months every year for nearly twenty years, supporting local churches, schools (volunteer work), KAIR, shops, etc. In a small way, CP belongs to all its visitors, past, present, and future. Don’t we get a vote?
Betsy Morris
How sad I was a year ago to move out of Marathon . . . my most special memories, and those of my children when they visited, were at Crane Point. It would be such a mistake to “Disney” that wonderful place.
Nancy Lewis, Venice Florida
I read your story with interest as our small community in Chase, B.C. is currently facing a zipline development proposal, too.
These attractions are popping up everywhere and are being sold to city councils and decision makers as “eco-everything and educational can’t miss”. These businesses continue to encroach on green spaces at what I find is an alarming rate. Future generations may well hold a different view of how eco-friendly these are. Certainly the infrastructure is minimal…but only when compared to something else. There are simply some places where no development should be permitted. Crane Point is another example.
Instead of being stewards for the environment and protecting special viewscapes that many treasure, some are being duped into selling it off to private enterprise and thrill seekers. After approvals and agreements are in place, and when the hype of ziplining wanes, there will be nothing to stop these companies from adding additional infrastructure to bolster their bottom lines…further eroding peaceful places that are enjoyed by so many.
Time will tell if these amusement park rides are indeed the catalyst for growth and economic certainty that some envision. It is my sincere hope that more forward-thinking leaders stop, or at least slow the pace, of rubber-stamping all ziplines.
Marvin Beatty
Chase, BC, Canada
Crane Point is not the place for an ‘amusement park ride’.
Recently, another community in Florida wisely nixed a zip line for all the reasons we should not have one in Crane Point. Those who support keeping Crane Point natural need to continue to make their objections heard, first to the Department of Economic Opportunity (contact details on this site). And IF DEO approves the grant that Marathon has applied for on behalf of the Crane Point zip line, we need to let our council members know why we oppose it. This article has important information: Sand Key residents oppose zip line : http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/clearwater_beacon/content_articles/040611_clw-02.txt
My comment is only about the financial risk to taxpayers of Marathon. Governments make terrible venture capitalists. Everyone wants the economy to get better. The mantra of jobs…jobs…jobs makes for a nice soundbite but not a reality. Would a member of the city council risk their own personal funds on a venture with such a questionable assumption of a business plan? If not, then why put taxpayer funds at risk.? If this plan fails, Crane point will be no better off and taxpayers will have taken on a new debt.
A beautiful, natural area full of wildlife; a place to listen to the calls of birds or to hear the rustle of leaves and grasses as animals make their way through the brush – then the harsh screams of people as they zoom down the zip line. What’s wrong with this picture?
Instead of using a gimmick such as a zip line, they should raise some extra money for advertising Crane Point’s Natural Beauty. If they used the right type of advertising and got the word out, they will see an influx of tourists and locals alike.
Opening up Crane Point for one day (after a Crane Point clean up day) free to locals, will also promote Keeping Crane Point Natural.
Lots of people in the Keys (and beyond) worked to acquire, protect and preserve Crane Point Hammock decades ago, and over the years the property has provided unique natural experiences for residents and visitors. It would be complete folly to introduce a noisy “thrill ride” into one of the island chain’s few remaining places of natural wonder. Don’t disturb the critters. Keep the Hammock natural and allow nature education and quiet contemplation to continue.
Three words: mismanagement, mismanagement, mismanagement.
The Key West Tropical Garden just received an educational grant for $104,000!! The Crane Point “grant guy” claims there is NO money out there. Huh???