Watch CBS News

Florida Conservation Group Questions Large Development Plan

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

NAPLES (CBSMiami/AP) — There has been a steady flow of development across Southern Florida for years.

A Florida conservation group is questioning a plan to develop thousands of acres in southwest Florida that is currently home to the Florida panther.

The Naples Daily News reported Sunday that federal authorities are currently reviewing a plan that would cluster development on 45,000 acres in northeast Collier County and in return preserve 107,000 acres as habitat for Florida panther and other endangered species.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida says a study it commissioned shows that the proposed development would fragment and sever corridors that panthers use to move from one area to the next.

Amber Crooks, environmental policy manager for the group, says the proposal calls for development "smack dab" in the panther's critical habitat.

Those pushing the development proposal dispute the conclusions by the conservation group.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.