FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2001

Governor, Cabinet Take Further Action To Protect Ichetucknee

--Kirby Mine ceases operation in five days—

TALLAHASSEE – In a landmark decision, Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today approved the purchase of 302 acres within the Ichetucknee Trace Florida Forever Project, which feeds into the world renowned Ichetucknee Springs. A highlighted feature of this $10 million Columbia County purchase agreement is the naming of the Trust for Public Lands group as the recipient of $1,250,000 from the sellers, Kirby Development, Inc./Kirby, to be used for acquiring additional properties within the Ichetucknee Trace, Florida Forever project.

Initial plans include restoring the damage and erosion caused by years of limerock mining. In addition to protecting the crystal clear springs, the purchase removes the threat of groundwater contamination by further limerock mining. The only active mine remaining must cease activities on September 2, 2001 – five days from today.

"People come from all over the world to visit this famous pristine spring, which is also a favorite recreation spot for Floridians," said DEP Secretary David B. Struhs. "Now, they can be assured that their children and grandchildren to come will have the same opportunities to experience its natural beauty. The Governor and the Cabinet are to be commended for recognizing that the Ichetucknee is one of Florida’s most valuable natural resources and must be protected. Today, it is undeniable that the Ichetucknee Spring and River are better off today than they were yesterday."

Environmentalists have long held that Anderson Columbia’s Ichetucknee Trace Mine, which the state purchased last year, along with the Kirby mine posed the greatest threat of permanent damage to the Ichetucknee Spring and River. In five days, with today’s approval of the Kirby mine purchase, the dynamite blasting and rock drilling within the Ichetucknee Trace will stop – forever.

The end result of this restoration will be a public park and fishing area that will be managed by Columbia County’s Division of Recreation and Parks along with the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission.

-30-

 

 

 

 

Sign up for DEP's Press Releases

email: