SILVER SPRINGS − U.S. Rep. Randy Fine hosted a press conference to explain his proposal for creating a new national park while standing by a clear, freshwater spring surrounded by spiny green palms and spindly oaks. The juxtaposition was intentional − while it may not look it, Florida's springs are ailing.

Fine spoke Monday, Aug. 25, at Juniper Springs Recreation Area, one of dozens of such spots within the Ocala National Forest. Fine, a Florida Republican, has proposed transforming the national forest into Florida Springs National Park.

The first-term congressman said the idea sprang from his mind as he thought about the problem and his experience traveling with his sons and father to many of the 63 U.S. national parks.

"The bill begins with the fundamental promise that things like

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