PATIENCE PAYS: THE QUEST FOR RESTORATION PROJECTS TOCOMPENSATE FOR LOST USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES FORPUBLIC RECREATION FROM THE1993 TAMPA BAY OIL SPILL

摘要

The public's use of natural resources forrecreation can be substantially disrupted by an oil spill.Following a 1999 settlement with parties responsible for the spill,the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)(“the Trustees”), acting through a Trustee Council, finalized arestoration to offset recreational losses from the 1993 Tampa Bayoil spill. This paper describes the development of the restorationplan in cooperation with affected communities and the basis uponwhich specific restoration projects were chosen for inclusion inthat plan, including the nexus between injured resources or lostresource services and the selected projects. The recreationalrestoration plan focused only on projects designed to acquire orenhance public access to natural resources for recreation.Projects selected for implementation include construction offishing piers, public trails and walkways, enhancement of boatingopportunities, and enhancement of natural resource amenities.Though the recreational projects were selected and funded by theTrustees with settlement funds, they are being implemented by theaffected beach municipalities through a continuing and uniquepartnership with the Trustee Council.