FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2001
Governor/Cabinet's Vote Benefits Public & Threatened
Animals
-- 600 acres surrounding Orlando protected for public use --
TALLAHASSEE – The
endangered Florida black bear, scrub jay, gopher tortoise and bald eagle, to
name a few, will continue to live in their protected habitats thanks to
today’s votes by Governor Jeb Bush and Cabinet members.
The state will acquire almost 248
acres located within the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway, a Conservation and
Recreation Lands project, in Lake County for $328,000, and just under 355
acres within the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Florida Forever project in Polk
County for $496,426 to provide education and recreation for the public.
The Wekiva-Ocala Greenway consists
of springs, rivers, lakes, swamps and uplands that stretch north from
Orlando to the Ocala National Forest. The Florida black bear, Florida scrub
jay, swallow-tailed kite, bald eagle and several wading birds find habitat
in the refuge. The acquisition safeguards the threatened animals by
protecting the natural corridors connecting the Wekiwa Springs State Park,
Rock Springs Run State Reserve, the Lower Wekiva River State Reserve and
Hontoon Island State Park with the Ocala National Forest. It will also
provide the public with a natural area to enjoy camping, swimming, hiking
and canoeing away from the booming Orlando area.
The Lake Wales Ridge project
stretches south from near Orlando almost to Lake Okeechobee. The original
terrain consisted of a mosaic of scrub, flatwoods, wetlands and lakes. The
scrub is unique in the world and many species found nowhere else inhabit the
area including the Florida scrub jay, the Florida mouse, blue-tailed mole
skink, sand skink, Florida scrub lizard, gopher tortoise and 10 species of
listed endemic scrub plants. The area is quickly giving way to citrus groves
and housing developments. This latest acquisition will help to protect the
remaining scrub and ecosystems, thereby preserving endangered species and
providing the public the opportunity to experience this diminishing natural
resource.
-30-
