FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2002Lignumvitae
Key State Park Recognized
-- Receives Sustainable Florida 2002 Award --
TALLAHASSEE
— One of Florida’s
southernmost state parks, Lignumvitae Key, was among the
winners recognized by the Council for Sustainable Florida
(CSF) for their contributions to Florida’s long-term
sustainability. Winners were announced Monday night at a
Tallahassee awards ceremony.
Due to the
rapid growth in tourism to the Florida Keys, staff at
Lignumvitae Key State Park realized the need to educate
boaters about the fragility and importance of seagrasses.
A four-point management plan was developed that included:
channel marking and zoning, enforcement, education,
research, and restoration.
"Florida’s
award-winning State Parks play a huge role in encouraging
environmental stewardship among residents and
visitors," said DEP Secretary David B. Struhs.
"We are proud to receive this award recognizing just
one of many outstanding education programs."
More than
$800,000 has been contributed toward Lignumvitae Key State
Park’s environmental initiative through budget
allocations, donations, and grants. A diverse group of
individuals and volunteers recognized the value of boater
education and partnered to develop and distribute a
brochure outlining navigational rules, restricted boating
areas and the significance of seagrasses.
The Council
for Sustainable Florida recognized 17 businesses,
organizations and individuals from across the state for
their successful efforts to manage, protect and restore
Florida’s coastal areas. Winners received resolutions
from Governor Bush and the Cabinet in a ceremony at the
Capitol in Tallahassee today.
For more
information on Florida State Parks: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
For more
information about the awards program or the Council for
Sustainable Florida, call CSF Executive Director Sharon
Cooper at (850) 539-5099.
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Press Office
