FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112
Acquisitions In The Florida Keys Placed
On Fast-Track
-- 6,427 acres targeted for conservation
through Florida Forever --
THE FLORIDA KEYS – With a unanimous vote by Governor
Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet, a plan to accelerate
acquisition and conservation of over 6,400 acres along the
Florida Keys is getting underway. The land, which includes 3,782
parcels, will be acquired through the State’s premier
conservation program, Florida Forever.
“Continued growth in this area makes it more important than
ever to protect sensitive land by placing it into public
ownership,” said Department of Environmental Protection
Secretary David B. Struhs. “This authorization allows the
State to acquire land faster and provide long term protection to
the waters of the Florida Keys and the only barrier reef in the
Continental United States.”
Today’s approval puts land acquisition in the Florida Keys
on a fast track by allowing the Department of Environmental
Protection to buy parcels priced under $100,000 for up to 125
percent of the current appraised value or the 1986 tax assessed
value.
“A similar plan proved successful in acquiring land for
Everglades restoration faster and at less cost,” said
Secretary Struhs. "With this additional tool, the State can
invest wisely in the environmental future of the Florida
Keys."
The State is targeting three Florida Forever projects
for completion over the next three years:
- The North Key Largo Hammocks consists of 4,513 acres with
just 240 left for acquisition. The project protects the
largest stand of West Indian hardwood remaining in the
region, a habitat unique to the United States.
- The Florida Keys Ecosystem project contains 8,566 acres
with 5,546 acres left for acquisition. The project protects
hardwood hammocks and habitat for wildlife such as the Lower
Keys marsh rabbit.
- The Coupon Bight/Key Deer project contains 2,100 acres
with just 641 acres remaining for acquisition. The
subtropical pine forests provide habitat for the endangered
Key deer and Caribbean plants found nowhere else in the
nation. The project protects water quality within Coupon
Bight Aquatic Preserve and conserves the remaining
undeveloped land on Big Pine and No Name Keys.
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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