Wedgefield seeks exemption from county wetlands rules, threatening Econ River

By Kevin Spear

To the growing alarm of environmentalists, Florida lawmakers are trying to strip Orange County of its ability to protect wetlands in Wedgefield, a suburban community set among soggy pine and cypress forests along the Econlockhatchee River.

Arguing that it is sufficiently regulated by other agencies, the community's drainage district has been able to insert language into bills now before the Legislature to do away with Orange County's authority over wetlands within Wedgefield.

Several environmental groups are opposed because of potential harm to the river. "This bill is a wrecking ball for the Econlockhatchee River," said Charles Lee, director of advocacy for Audubon of Florida. "Hire the right lobbying firm, promise the right campaign contributions, and you can destroy any river."

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