VoteWater has joined 13 other conservation groups across Florida in signing a National Park Conservation Association’s letter opposing “Alligator Alcatraz.”

“This irresponsible proposal is being pushed forward without any legitimate evaluation of its impacts on the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park,” said Gil Smart, Executive Director of VoteWater. “Charging ahead without addressing the most fundamental questions — and risking serious harm to sensitive wetlands — is both reckless and unacceptable.”

The proposed immigrant detention center on site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport is in close proximity to Miccosukee tribal lands, the Seminole Big Cypress Reservation and other state-managed conservation lands, all of which could be harmed by the project.

The NPCA letter articulates potential impacts, including harm to wetlands and wildlife habitat, including Florida panther habitat; water consumption, wastewater pollution, increased traffic and light pollution in Florida’s only national preserve designated by DarkSky International.

“The Everglades is a natural wonder, an incredible economic asset, and an ecosystem beloved by Floridians from all walks of life,” the letter concludes.

Added Smart: “How about we preserve it rather than turning it into a prison?”