Disney is petitioning to be able to destroy additional wetlands within Walt Disney World for future expansion. Disney purchased the 3,000-acre Mira Loga property near the existing Disney Wilderness Preserve and is planning on restoring it in exchange for the right to destroy 575 acres of wetlands within their resort property.
Previously Disney was petitioning to impact 350 acres, but has revised their request upwards to allow for greater flexibility.
In a statement a Walt Disney World spokeswoman said, “This permit modification continues our longstanding commitment to responsible growth and environmental stewardship in a way that will contribute to Florida’s conservation for years to come.”
Disney is looking for the ability to add additional infrastructure, backstage support buildings, resorts, and theme park attractions.
Most environmentalists consider this a “good deal” as the Mira Loga property had been slated for housing development which would have cut off animals’ migration paths and affected controlled burns.
Currently, Disney is making significant roadway improvements, continuing the development of Disney Springs, and expanding Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A redevelopement of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also in the plans.
This story was first reported by the Orlando Sentinel.