The Everglades National Park Association County Court House Miami, Florida Telephone President Halsted L. Ritter Vice-Presidents Thomas J. Pancoast John O. Shares David Sholtz Treasurer F.L. Wall Executive Council Ernest F. Coe, Chairman Advisory Council David Fairchild, Chairman Clayton Sedgwick Cooper, Vice-Chairman Auditor Clifford N. Bourne September 18, 1934 Trustees of The Internal Improvement Fund, State Capitol, Tallahassee, Fla. Gentlemen: The acquisition of lands within the Everglades National Park project by the Commission to be appointed by the Governor are to be by gift, purchase or exchange. By exchange for either state land or lands offered by private parties not located within the Park area. There are undoubtedly owners of land within the Park area who would consider exchanges for state lands if these are available. It is suggested that the Internal Improvement Fund Commission give this matter consideration with a view of arriving at a definite decision in the matter and if favorable to such exchanges, that lands available for this purpose be designated in time to be available to the Park Commission. Several private owned parcels of land outside the Park, [sic] have been offered as contributions to the Park cause, to be available for exchange for lands within the Park. This Association is in a position to encourage such donations and exchanges. There are no doubt many owning land in Florida and elsewhere who will desire to contribute to the Park who can give land and not money. On the other hand there are, no doubt, land holders within the Park area who would consider an exchange rather than accept the price their land would be valued at if the decision as to values was left to the Courts. Sincerely yours, [signature] Ernest F. Coe, Executive Chairman This association was organized and is maintained for the purpose of promoting acquaintance with the primeval wonders of America's continental tropics included in the Cape Sables and nearby Everglades region of South Florida--its scenic interests, varied plant and animal life. All of this native wild life is fascinating and many species are confined to this region. To cooperate with measures leading to the preservation of this region as a great national park wherein all its forms of wild life will be protected, and its other varied charms of glades, tropic jungles, azure seas, emerald isles, lakes, rivers and beaches will be forever consecrated as a nature sanctuary. Membership-annual members, $3.00 per year; sustaining members, $60.00 or more per year. All members will receive bulletins and other printed matter issued by this association.