FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 23, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112
State Closes On Caloosahatchee Ecoscape
Acquisition
-- Florida Forever preserves prime panther
habitat --
LAKE OKEECHOBEE – Critical habitat in southwest
Florida was forever protected with the purchase of a 26-mile
land corridor spanning Hendry and Glades counties. Purchased
through the State’s premier conservation program, Florida
Forever, the 161-acre acquisition protects the habitat of
panthers, black bears and rare birds.
“In a region historically used for farming, it is important
to conserve land wisely,” said Department of Environmental
Protection Secretary David B. Struhs. “Connecting and
preserving open stretches of land establishes an extensive
roaming area for wildlife, including the endangered Florida
panther and Florida black bear.”
The mosaic of pine flatwoods, marshes, swamps, scrub and
wetlands provide habitat for rare birds, including the wood
stork, bald eagle, crested caracara, yellow-crowned night-heron,
Florida sandhill crane and Florida scrub-jay. Compatible
nature-based recreation in the area will include fishing,
camping, hiking and nature study.
The parcel is a part of the Caloosahatchee Ecoscape Florida
Forever project, which will conserve nearly 18,500 acres
across two counties. The Caloosahatchee acquisition provides a
natural connection to conservation lands including Twelvemile
Slough to the south and Okaloacoochee Slough and Preservation
Area to the east.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program
established by Governor Jeb Bush conserves environmentally
sensitive land, restores water resources and preserves cultural
and historical resources.
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