FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 4, 2003
CONTACT: Dee Ann Miller, (850) 245-2112
State
Adds 100 Acres Of Protection to Wakulla Springs
--Land links Wakulla Springs State Park
with the Apalachicola National Forest--
WAKULLA SPRINGS - Over 100 acres were added to the Wakulla
Springs Protection Zone this week through the State’s premier
land conservation program, Florida Forever. The acquisition adds
further protection to Florida’s largest freshwater spring and
the miles of underground caverns carrying water below. The
acreage serves as a primary recharge area for the Floridan
aquifer, which supplies most of the region’s drinking water.
“Conserving land around Florida's springs safeguards the
quality of water feeding these unique underground systems,”
said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary
David B. Struhs. “Increasing protection for our valuable
natural resources benefits our environment, economy and quality
of life.”
Connecting Wakulla Springs State Park with the
Apalachicola National Forest, the 8,023-acre Wakulla Springs
Protection Zone Florida Forever Project conserves habitat for
wildlife and recreation while also protecting one of the largest
and deepest artesian springs in the world. With this important
addition just 11 percent of the protection zone remains for
acquisition.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program
established by Governor Jeb Bush conserves environmentally
sensitive land, restores water resources and preserves important
cultural and historical resources.
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Press Office
