I received a paper from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, penned by their talented scribe, Bob Wattendorf. He began it this way: "For my 32 years with the FWC, I have been one of those folks dealing with the stigma of 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you.'"
That led to his thoughts on the Public Trust Doctrine. He said that historically, users of our natural resources entrust governments with the responsibility of sustaining nature. The doctrine is a linchpin of that responsibility.
The doctrine, he explained, is built upon three core principles: Fish and wildlife are public resources; they are managed for the common good; and trained professionals hold them in custodianship and serve as trustees who are accountable to the public.
He's right. And I'd say that the FWC has done a fine job of keeping Florida's fish and critters in healthy shape and strong supply.
Read the complete story at The Florida-Times Union.