MEDIA
ADVISORY: November 16, 2001
DEP Announces Kickoff Of Project Greenshores
-- One of Region’s Largest Restoration Projects Now Underway --
PENSACOLA -- Three
barges full of limestone rock arriving in Pensacola mark the commencement of
Project GreenShores, a community-based habitat restoration project that will
enhance public awareness of the native species and habitats within the
Pensacola Bay System.
This restoration project, through
creation and enhancement of habitat by emergent marsh, seagrass beds and
oyster reefs, will result in environmental improvement both in water quality
of the bay and the fisheries, and will provide an excellent opportunity to
educate the community about this type of ecosystem.
"We are very excited to have
this important project underway," said Mary Jean Yon, Director of the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Northwest District.
"The level of participation and support has been inspiring and it
continues to grow. This type of project is not only good for the
environment, as it improves the health of the bay and its marine life, but
it also contributes to the community’s economic vitality by preserving and
enhancing one of Pensacola’s most cherished natural resources as well as
strengthens the sense of community as we all work together to restore this
ecosystem."
To date the project has been
supported by over 30 different local and national entities with anticipated
donations of cash and in-kind donations exceeding 1.3 million dollars. The
limestone rock will be used as a foundation for nearly eight acres of oyster
reef habitat planned for Project GreenShores. Oyster shells from local food
and restaurant vendors will also be donated to help seed the oyster beds. In
addition, nearly 20 acres of seagrass and salt marsh plants will also be
placed landward of the oyster reefs in Pensacola Bay along Bayfront Parkway.
The restoration project will result in improved water quality and help
marine life to flourish by providing nursery grounds, habitat and food.
Supporters and volunteers are
needed for this project. For information on how to donate time or money to
the project contact Sava Varazo at (850) 595-8300, extension 1194.
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