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Perspective
ECHO potential
Dr. Jay R. Bushnell

The ECHO (Environmental, Cultural, Historical and Outdoor) movement in Volusia County has been and should be a public initiative.
   The goal of this movement is to enhance the quality of life for residents by developing an ECHO package that is representative and comprehensive. The citizens' ECHO steering committee is charged with the task of using public input for proposing a countywide ECHO package to the County Council. The successful implementation of any ECHO package depends upon public ownership of the process, whether making decisions regarding proposed ECHO projects or determining possible funding sources for the projects.
   All this seems rather straightforward. So what is the catch? The biggest problem with success involves our own history of provincialism. As revealed in the 1998 ECHO Tourism survey conducted by Volusia Visions Leisure and Cultural Committee, members of the community clearly understand this problem. Overwhelmingly, respondents to the survey indicated that our inability to work cooperatively would be the biggest threat to any ECHO initiative.
   Perhaps the most important potential product of this movement will be a change in the way we interact. In the ECHO forum over the last four years, I have seen excellent examples of cooperation. There is an evolving revelation that there is power in collaboration. Whether one's interests are with environmental, cultural arts, heritage or outdoor issues; whether one is a member of a local government, county government or a private citizen, chances for success are improved by working together.
   As a community, we have the potential to construct a foundation for an ECHO process that will enrich all of our lives. We certainly have the ECHO resources available. We also have dedicated individuals who have the energy and commitment to the community of Volusia. Our ability to work together will determine whether we actualize our community potential.

Volusia Arboretum makes debut on ECHO website

World wide web users now are able to get up close and personal with Volusia's foliage. The ECHO tourism website's new "Volusia Arboretum" features trees found throughout the county.
   The on-line guide includes a description of the tree, a photo and information on leaves, flowers, fruit, bark and landscape usage. Information and pictures were provided by Volusia County's Environmental Management Services Group.

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Volusia County Government