Additional Sponsors

Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

THE ISSUE: Preserving Three Sisters Springs.

City takes first step to save Three Sisters

The Crystal River City Council took some bold action last week and citizens of Citrus County should be appreciative.

The council unanimously agreed to take the leadership role in trying to save the Three Sister Springs property in Crystal River from development.

The council has decided to take on the role as lead agent in the request for some state grants to purchase the 60-acre tract of land around the environmentally sensitive springs. A Tampa developer now owns the property and has filed development plans to construct a high-density community around the springs.

A half-dozen groups, including the city's waterfront advisory board, the Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, and the Save the Manatee Club, came before the council last week and asked that a coordinated effort be made to secure grants to save Three Sisters.

The Florida Conservation Trust Fund has grants available to save property like Three Sisters, but it's imperative that a local government take the leadership role in making the request.

The members of the council stepped up and took on the role.

Three Sisters Springs is an environmental jewel in Citrus County, and no matter how well-meaning a developer might be, a high-density complex would devastate the property. This land needs to be saved and preserved for a public purpose.

This is a tough stand for the city of Crystal River, because the residential development of the property would have supplied much-needed new tax dollars for city hall. If the land is preserved for the public, no taxes get paid.

If this site is going to be preserved, it's going to take a coordinated effort between public agencies, the state, nonprofit groups, environmentalists and private contributors. The Southwest Florida Water Management District is currently doing an appraisal on the property to see if the project can qualify for some financial assistance from the water district.

This issue of buying Three Sisters Springs has come up about a dozen times in the past 25 years, and it has never been successful. This is truly the last chance Citrus County has to preserve one of the most important assets in our community. If action is not taken now, we will soon see condominiums on the land.

The Crystal River City Council deserves applause from the community for taking the first step in this process. But let's not forget, this is just the first step. There is much work to be done.

Back to Articles