MJA Consulting, working on the behalf of a group of property owners, is soliciting input from stakeholders on the creation of a Biosphere Reserve containing the Peace River Basin . The views of environmental groups and government agencies are particularly important because the proposed Biosphere Reserve lies within their areas of influence.

Our client believes that the special combination of natural and cultural features and outdoor recreation potential in this area that is worthy of saving and restoring to its natural state. The proposed Biosphere Reserve would provide for the protection and promotion of these natural and cultural resources while creating some employment for local people. The Area's potential has most recently been recognized in the Florida Department of Environmental protections March 2007 Peace River Basin Resource Management Plan . The Biosphere Reserve designation can focus efforts to repair, re-mediate and preserve this important ecosystem.

A Biosphere Reserve is a unique area of natural and cultural heritage, validating the community's intention to protect, promote, and celebrate the richness of this heritage while it strives to maintain and develop the economic base needed to ensure a high quality of life. Biosphere Reserves are "areas of terrestrial and coastal/marine ecosystems, or a combination thereof, which are internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO's Program on Man and the Biosphere (MAB)" (Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves). Reserves are nominated by national governments and must meet a minimal set of criteria and adhere to a minimal set of conditions before being admitted to the Network.  Each Biosphere Reserve is intended to fulfill three complementary functions: a conservation function, to preserve genetic resources, species, ecosystems and landscapes; a development function, to foster sustainable economic and human development, and a logistic support function, to support demonstration projects, environmental education and training, and research and monitoring related to local, national and global issues of conservation and sustainable development. There is a significant heritage asset base within the region. Rather than treating these assets in isolation, a Sustainable Tourism Project would integrate them into the fabric and community of the region, communicating their values and their programs to the tourism industry. It is proposed that the Wilson Ranch be the center of an effort to acquire and restore the Peace River from the headwaters in the Green Swamp in Polk County to the estuary in Charlotte County . This would start with the creation of the Wilson Ranch Ecocenter Research Station and continue through the MAB application and final acquisition of the properties necessary for the fulfillment of the project.

Operation of a biosphere reserve results in new employment and business opportunities. These opportunities are stable and not prone to boom or bust patterns in other areas of the economy. Establishment of a Biosphere Reserve would provide jobs for local persons in constructing facilities and operating and maintaining the Wilson Ranch Facilities. Jobs will be created for wetland mitigation bank operators, carbon sink tree farm operators, ecotourism interpreters, fishing guides, equipment rental personal, and Realtor's specializing in Conservation easements. MJA Consulting was chosen to perform this work because of their cross-disciplinary approach to environmental projects and in depth expertise in environmental research and real estate development.