FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: December 05, 2002
Eight New
Projects Recommended for
Florida Forever Priority List
-- Other
projects shifted as Council members hear public input --
TALLAHASSEE -
Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) members, today,
made exciting changes to Florida Forever, the state's
popular preservation land buying program. After hearing
public testimony, members selected projects that will be
added, relocated or deleted from the Florida Forever
acquisition list. The Council's recommendations will go
before Governor Jeb Bush and Cabinet members for approval.
"These project changes
will help to preserve some of Florida's most unique
natural resources," said ARC Chairman, and Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary, David B.
Struhs. "On behalf of Floridians, I would like to
thank Council members for fostering Florida Forever's
mission - to preserve the past and protect our
future."
Public testimony came from
around the state. Each party relayed the significance of
the parcel being presented and vied for a portion of the
$300 million allocated annually to purchase
environmentally sensitive lands, critical watershed and
water reuse areas, and habitat for threatened and
endangered species.
Two lists comprise the
Florida Forever program - the "A" list which are
those lands of highest priority for acquisition, and the
"B" list which requires additional funding to
accompany Florida Forever funding.
New projects added to
Priority List A:
- Devil's Garden (82,000
acres), Hendry and Collier counties - Rapid area
development creates an urgency to acquire the lands
which are key panther habitat and offer great public
recreational opportunities. Managers: Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission and Department of
Agriculture's Division of Forestry.
- Upper Yellow River
(8,200 acres), Okaloosa County - The near pristine
river is critical habitat for the gulf sturgeon. Its
acquisition is also supported by Eglin Air Force Base.
Manager: DEP's Division of Recreation and Parks.
- Battle of Wahoo Swamp
(850 acres), Sumter County - The site holds great
historical significance. The first Creek Indian to
graduate from West Point died in one of the 12
historical battles fought at the site. Manager: DEP's
Division of Recreation and Parks.
- Baldwin Bay (9,500
acres), Nassau and Duval counties - The project
contains some of the last old growth hammock and mixed
forest in the area. Manager: Division of Forestry.
- Heather Island (19,800
acres), Marion County - The land provides habitat for
the endangered black bear. It also has significant
hydrological value and provides a link to Florida
trails. Managers: Division of Forestry, Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission, DEP's Division
of Recreation and Parks, and DEP's Office of Greenways
and Trails.
- St. Johns River Blueway
(28,000 acres), St. Johns County - The parcel is part
of Florida's only American Heritage River, protecting
floodplains and surface waters. Florida Natural Areas
Inventory has identified threatened plants and animals
on the land. Manager: Division of Forestry.
- Escribano Point (3,600
acres), Santa Rosa County - An important
archaeological site, the acquisition is supported by
Eglin Air Force Base. Manager: Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- Otter Mound (2 acres),
Collier County - Sponsored by the Archaeological and
Historical Conservancy, the shell midden mound is
recognized by archaeologists throughout the state for
its historical significance. Managers: City of Marco
Island and non-profit organizations.
Projects moved up to
"A" List from "B" List: Allapattah
Flats, Atlantic Ridge Ecosystem, Brevard Coastal Scrub
Ecosystem, Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway, Hosford
Chapman's Rhododendron Protection Zone, Indian River
Lagoon Blueway, Pinhook Swamp.
Projects moved to
"B" List: Longleaf Pine Ecosystem, Pierce
Mound Complex, Fakahatchee Strand.
The Cypress Creek project
was removed from the Florida Forever list and is currently
under acquisition by the South Florida Water Management
District.
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Press Office
