TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The golf course is not a threatened species in the Sunshine State — but the Florida scrub-jay is.

Conservationists are raising alarms about the potential impact on small blue and gray birds and other endangered species if the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proceeds with a plan to construct golf courses, pickleball facilities, and large hotels at state parks along Florida's coast, from Miami to the Panhandle.

State parks "represent the last bastions for a significant portion of wildlife in rapidly urbanizing areas of Florida,” said Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida.

“They are immensely significant — not only for wildlife but also as locations where Floridians and tourists can continue to experience the essence of Florida," she said. "It encapsulates the best of Florida.”

DeSantis has consistently enjoyed unwavering support from the Republican Party, which holds significant sway in Florida's political landscape. It's been rare for DeSantis to encounter resistance from GOP lawmakers, and he has a reputation for retaliation when they do.

However, it appears a political dividing line is being drawn after DeSantis' administration announced plans this week to create golf courses and pickleball courts within Florida's cherished state parks.

In contrast to issues like abortion, LGBTQ rights, race, and guns that have divided voters, state parks seemingly hold a special place in the hearts of Floridians, irrespective of their political affiliations. The state park system has earned national recognition for years, and residents are resistant to altering the protected lands they cherish.

The proposal put forth by Florida's Department of Environmental Protection to construct new sports facilities, hotels, and glamping sites in eight state parks across Florida has ignited a wave of opposition, not only from nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers but also from members of DeSantis' Cabinet, a Republican member of Congress, and conservative state lawmakers. This includes outgoing Republican Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.

“Our vision (for state parks) did not include the addition of golf courses and hotels, which in my opinion are not in line with the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of nature,” Passidomo posted on X. “From what I understand at this point, the proposal should not move forward in its current form.”

A spokesperson for DeSantis defended the proposals — which are not finalized — and highlighted the administration's investments in safeguarding and preserving the state's natural resources.

“Teddy Roosevelt believed that public parks were meant for the benefit and enjoyment of the people, and we share that belief,” press secretary Jeremy Redfern stated. “But it's time we made public lands more accessible to the public.”

The Department of Environmental Protection did not respond to inquiries for comment from The Associated Press.

All the parks targeted for development are located near heavily frequented tourist destinations, including Miami, Tampa, Panama City, and St. Augustine.

Florida’s state park system serves as a haven of wildness in a state where vast expanses of sugary sand beaches and mangrove forests have long been replaced by condos, motels, and strip mall souvenir shops.

Supporters say places like Topsail Hill Preserve State Park near Destin are truly remarkable — the preserve is known for its 25-foot high sand dunes that dominate a stretch of the Panhandle known for its spring break destinations and military installations.

Eric Draper, a former director of the Florida Park Service, stated that Topsail is one of the last undeveloped stretches of Florida's Gulf Coast.

In that part of the state, Draper said, “you can stand on the beach, look to your right, then look to your left, and you'll only see condos, developments, and houses. But this is one place where you can stand and look for three miles without seeing any development.”

Under the new proposals, Topsail would see the addition of up to four new pickleball courts, a disc golf course, and a new hotel with the capacity to house up to 350 guests — a level of development that Draper said is more akin to a conference center than a peaceful beach escape.

Another proposal involves a golf complex at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County on Florida's southeast coast north of West Palm Beach. Constructing the golf courses would require the removal of a boardwalk and observation tower, as well as relocating the residences and offices of park staff, and existing cabins for visitors.

A change.org petition against the proposed golf complex at Jonathan Dickinson had amassed over 60,000 signatures by Thursday afternoon.

This is not the first time a Republican administration has suggested utilizing state parks for more revenue by offering golf, lodging and other attractions. However, past proposals were quickly abandoned due to public disapproval.

In 2015, the administration of then-Governor Rick Scott proposed plans to allow cattle ranchers to graze their livestock and lumber companies to harvest timber on state park lands.

Legendary former professional golfer Jack Nicklaus has consistently advocated for state government support in his efforts to build golf courses within state parks, endeavors that ultimately failed due to public opposition.

Wraithmell, the head of Audubon Florida, expressed hope that state officials will heed the voices of Floridians who plan to attend public meetings next week to provide input on the proposals.

“Undeniably, there is a demand for more people to enjoy state parks," she said. "The solution isn't to try to cram as many people into a park as we can .... The solution is to create more state parks.”

___ Associated Press reporter Brendan Farrington in Tallahassee contributed to this report.

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Kate Payne is a reporter for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service organization that places journalists in local news outlets to cover underreported issues.