30 years after mangrove law passed, enforcement still relies on citizen reporting, education

30 years after mangrove law passed, enforcement still relies on citizen reporting, education

If a tree is cut on the shore and no one is there to see it, is it still damaged?When discussing mangroves, this play on a philosophy 101 question has two answers. For the tree, yes, it has been damaged. For Florida Department of Environmental Protection, no way to tell.With no police force dedicated to protecting mangroves, FDEP relies on reports by concerned citizens.“It only relies on citizen reporting,” said Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Di…