Video featuring talking bear "breaks through the clutter" on conservation amendment.

Social Media, Web Drive Grassroots Push By Conservation Groups For Amendment 4

October 15, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - A Web-based video featuring a talking "spokesbear" is the latest tool deployed by conservation groups supporting Florida's proposed Constitutional Amendment 4, the Florida Conservation Land Amendment.

The 30-second ad, viewable online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHc0371cuVk, will air on cable television in targeted markets in advance of today's presidential debate. But with a limited budget and the reduced availability of airtime snatched up by the presidential campaigns, the conservation groups supporting Amendment 4 have been forced to rely on new media strategies such as e-mail appeals, social networking and viral videos.

Florida Bear, the campaign's talking "spokesbear," is posting on Twitter at https://twitter.com/floridabear, and has begun seeking Facebook friends at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1551842801&ref=ts.

The bear also hosts a blog at http://floridabearfor4.blogspot.com/ .

"With a shoestring budget and only weeks before Election Day, we don't have the luxury of running a traditional advertising campaign," said Preston Robertson, vice president and general counsel of the Florida Wildlife Federation. "This video spreads the word about Amendment 4 and conveys our message that Amendment 4 will conserve our environment and preserve wildlife habitat."

Florida's proposed Constitutional Amendment 4 protects Florida's water resources and wildlife habitats by providing incentives for private landowners who choose to conserve their property.

If approved by 60% of Florida voters on November 4, the Amendment 4 will:

• Exempt land that is permanently set aside for conservation from all property taxes.
• Allow land that is being used for conservation purposes, but which hasn't been permanently set aside, to be taxed according to its conservation use.

Amendment 4 is a non-partisan proposal with support across the political spectrum. Republicans, Democrats and Independents support the Amendment, as do a diverse array of groups including the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Association of Counties, Florida TaxWatch, the Florida Wildlife Federation, Florida Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy.

For more information, please visit www.Amendment4Florida.com.