FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112
Nine New Projects Approved For Florida
Forever List
-- ARC members vote protects more of
Florida’s natural resources --
TALLAHASSEE – Acquisition and Restoration Council
(ARC) members voted today to add nine new projects to Florida’s
premier land acquisition program, Florida Forever.
Preserving natural and historical resources, protecting
environmentally sensitive land and water resources and the
habitat of rare plant and animal species were among the criteria
considered by ARC members. The recommendations will go before
Governor Jeb Bush and Cabinet members for final approval.
“Our natural resources attract millions of visitors to
Florida each year,” said Deputy Secretary of Land and
Recreation Bob Ballard. “By protecting these natural
treasures, we are preserving them for future generations and
ensuring that eco-tourism continues to have a positive impact on
Florida’s economy.”
Attendees from around the State testified at yesterday’s
public hearing about the significance of the nine parcels vying
for a portion of the $300 million allocated annually to acquire
lands on the Florida Forever list.
New projects added to the Florida Forever List:
- Camp Blanding to Osceola National Forest
Ecological Greenway (153,000 acres), Baker,
Bradford, Clay and Union counties – Extending from the
northwest corner of Camp Blanding Military Reservation to
the southeast boundary of the Osceola National Forest, the
Greenway connects a contiguous area of more than a half a
million acres of publicly owned or managed lands.
Acquisition prevents encroachment on military lands and
protects air space. Rare species in the area include the
bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, wood stork and Florida
black bear. Low intensity activities such as hunting and
fishing will be considered.
- Flagler County Blueway (8,000 acres),
Flagler County – Under significant development pressure,
the project includes most of the undeveloped and available
land east of I-95. Acquisition closes gaps and gains public
ownership to some of the last remaining hammocks, marshes,
flatwoods and swamps. Potential recreation includes
canoeing, boating, swimming, bird watching, environmental
education, horseback riding, nature study and photography.
- Lake Santa Fe (10,735 acres), Alachua and
Sanford counties – The project contains historic cypress
fringe and significant swamps of undisturbed wetlands.
Acquisition will protect the only remaining shoreline of
Lake Sante Fe, a vital nesting and resting area for the wood
stork and other wading birds, and provide habitat for other
endangered animals including the Sherman’s fox squirrel,
American alligator and gopher tortoise.
- San Pedro Bay (44,000 acres), Madison and
Taylor counties – The area on Florida’s Gulf coast is
characterized by forested wetlands, marshes and planted
pines and constitutes one of the largest undeveloped areas
of the state not in public ownership. More than half of the
project consists of planted pines. The lands and hydrology
will be restored to its original natural state. Rare or
threatened species within the project include the hooded
pitcher plant, the Florida black bear and great egret.
- Searcy Estate (600 acres), Wakulla County
– The project is bordered on two sides by the Apalachicola
National Forest and provides watershed protection for the
Ochlocknee River and habitat for the Florida black bear,
alligator snapping turtle and Florida pine snake. Potential
activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding,
camping, shoreline fishing, hunting, picnicking and
photography.
- Upper Shoal River (12,035 acres), Walton
County –Located on some of Florida’s
highest elevations in northwestern Walton County, the
acquisition will conserve headwater streams and creeks
connected to the Shoal River system and secure habitat for
the Florida black bear, eastern fox squirrel and gopher
tortoise. Possible recreation includes hiking, fishing,
hunting and wildlife viewing.
- Lake Talquin/Rocky Comfort Creek Addition (400
acres), Gadsden County – The project includes one-mile of
lake frontage and was targeted for waterfront development.
The acquisition will provide a connection to the existing
Lake Talquin State Forest and Joe Budd Wildlife Management
Area and better protect the Rock Comfort Creek tributary
system draining into Lake Talquin. On-site recreation may
include short distance nature hikes, picnicking and limited
hunting and fishing.
- Mill Creek (12,000 acres), Marion County –
Acquired as a conservation easement, the Mill Creek project
will preserve a working Florida landscape, protect existing
natural areas from alternative uses and enhance existing
wetlands by prohibiting future timber harvesting. The
Florida black bear and wood stork are among the threatened
species found in the project area.
- The Harris School, Monroe County –The
Jepha Vinning Harris built in 1909, represents the first
public high school in the Florida Keys and is a contributing
structure to the Key West Historic District, which is listed
in the National Register of Historic Places.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program
established by Governor Bush conserves environmentally sensitive
land, restores waterways and preserves important cultural and
historical resources.
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