"Florida Seeks To Put State Parks To Commercial Use"

"ORLANDO -- Florida is moving toward expanding cattle grazing, hunting and other commercial activities in state parks to help make them self-sufficient, an idea raising alarms among conservationists.

Up first is a plan to sell cattle-grazing rights to 6,630 acres in the Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, one of the state’s most diverse natural areas popular with wildlife photographers, hikers and boaters, according to a draft bid document by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Department spokeswoman Dee Ann Miller said commercial timbering and hunting were also under consideration for state parks."

Barbara Liston reports for Reuters June 18, 2015.