Naples Standard

Congressman Byron Donalds, representing Florida's 19th district, took to social media on February 12, 2025, to discuss a new bipartisan initiative related to Big Cypress National Preserve. He expressed his intent to protect the preserve from certain federal designations that could limit local access and use.

In a tweet posted at 23:18:49 UTC, Congressman Donalds announced the relaunch of a bipartisan initiative in collaboration with Representative Franklin and twelve other Florida colleagues. The proposed bill aims "to codify into law that Big Cypress National Preserve is not designated as 'wilderness' or as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System."

Following this announcement, at 23:18:50 UTC, he elaborated on the implications of federally-designated wilderness areas. Such areas are defined as spaces "where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor and does not remain.” Donalds cautioned that any wilderness designation for Big Cypress would restrict "the free movement of the local" community.

At 23:18:51 UTC, Congressman Donalds emphasized the significance of Big Cypress National Preserve to Southwest Florida. He stated it is an "iconic fixture" that must be safeguarded against "debilitating federal overreach." He affirmed his commitment to standing with constituents, local stakeholders, and environmental officials throughout Florida in their efforts to protect this natural resource.