FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2862
Florida Acquires 273 Acres
For Wekiva-Ocala Greenway
--Acquisition preserves black bear habitat, provides
critical land link--
LAKE COUNTY – Florida today acquired another 273
acres within the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway, expanding a natural
corridor stretching from Orlando to the Ocala National Forest.
The State has now acquired nearly 42,000 acres of the Florida
Forever project, over half the total lands needed to complete
the greenway.
"Conserving land around one of Florida's largest
metropolitan areas creates open space for recreation and
protects endangered wildlife," said Department of
Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs. "Today’s
acquisition helps sustain the Florida black bear population by
linking habitat and providing a natural pathway to the Ocala
National Forest.”
The State began acquiring property in the Wekiva-Ocala
Greenway in the 1960s. When complete, the 75,000-acre tract will
form a continuous corridor linking the Wekiva Springs State
Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Lower Wekiva River Aquatic
Preserve, Hontoon Island State Park and the Ocala National
Forest.
Expansion of the greenway protects the region's springs,
rivers and lakes and provides habitat for more than 50 Florida
black bears. Close to the booming Orlando metro area, the
greenway also provides the public with access to natural areas
for camping, swimming, hiking and canoeing.
Greenways and trails preserve and protect Florida’s natural
areas, connect communities and provide recreation. Thousands of
miles of trails wind through Florida’s urban and rural areas.
Visit www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com
for more information.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program
established by Governor Bush conserves environmentally sensitive
land, restores water resources and preserves important cultural
and historic resources.
-30-
Press Office
