There is a plan to destroy the natural area located in the southeast spot of 47th Street, and build up houses and/or an entrance to the Meadows from DeSoto Lakes.  Not only does this neighborhood already have an entrance, this forested land between DeSoto Lakes neighborhood and the Meadows neighborhoods is an important asset to the area.  The land supports wild animals and plants which keep the local ecocene in balance.  These animals include, but are not limited to: the endangered gopher tortoise, bobcats, foxes, and many birds.  The consequences of this development are much more far reaching than just those suffered by individual animals-  removal of our natural lands can lead to negative effects on the larger food chain as well as at a societal level. We need wild spaces.  Threatening this part of the food chain will probably lower the health and forward-motion of the surrounding society.  This neighborhood already has several entrances- do they need another at such a cost?

     The biodiversity of the scope is not preserved through destruction, but rather through shifting attention spans.  How much land must we turn into a deserted ghetto before we realize that we don't lack space, but rather focus and  single-minded cooperation?  And hey, who doesn't like foxes?  Change is a necessity, but there are many other cultural areas which could be elevated.  Those in favor of maintaining some fraction of the already rapidly disappearing wild spaces in our community, please sign the petition.  Thanks for your time and consideration.