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Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Saving Three Sisters Spring: Defining a Community

What started as a ripple has become a wave and is beginning to reach the groundswell level. The effort to save the Three Sisters Springs has attained the status of a true community or group effort. Contributing citizen groups include the Save the Manatee Club, Amy H. Remley Foundation, The Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Citrus 20/20 and the Rotary Clubs of Crystal River.

Could it be that the real issue in this project is not just about saving a piece of land? Maybe the most extraordinary event is that the people of Crystal River and Citrus County are becoming united in an enormous undertaking?

As many have witnessed during the past 30 years, our city and county have experienced unprecedented growth. One of the biggest challenges is to retain civic identity. Former Lt. Gov. Buddy MacKay said it best several years ago in asking people if they preferred to be "a community or a crowd." Until the Three Sisters project, this area was beginning to take on some of the characteristics of a crowd.

The acquisition of the property and its development into a passive recreation park and educational center would be the signature attraction for the City of Crystal River. It will represent the attitude and philosophy of the citizens of the city and county. It will show the rest of the state, nation and world that we are truly concerned about our environment, show deep respect for our natural resources, and will work feverishly to preserve our natural wonders for generations to come.

The people of the city and county are demonstrating a desire to help fund the land acquisition as the project has the support of the city council and county commission. The city is applying for a $6.6-million Florida Communities Trust Grant, but will need to raise roughly $2.8 million to maximize award points. Governmental agencies that provide grants and financial assistance are only willing to help those who help themselves. We the people must provide as much financial aid as possible to prove that we are willing to sacrifice and help each other. I encourage everyone to open their hearts and pocketbooks as a matter of civic duty and social responsibility.

It has long been said that the current generation does not inherit the land from their parents but borrows it from their children. We must decide right now concerning the preservation of Three Sisters Springs if this generation of the people of Citrus County wants to give our children a legacy or an apology. We either grant them a beautiful natural area to enjoy through the future or we leave them with what once was a marvel of nature, ruined by development, and us telling them: "We're sorry and we really wish we would have done more."

K.C. Nayfield, a Crystal River veterinarian, has long been concerned about overdevelopment.

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