FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 29, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112

13,268 Acres Conserved Along Crooked River

-- Water quality, wildlife receive added protection –

THE CROOKED RIVER — Florida has sealed the deal on over 13,000 acres along the Crooked River, purchasing the land as an addition to the 145,871-acre St. Joe Timberlands Florida Forever project. The acquisition, which includes 20 miles of untouched riverfront, conserves habitat for the Florida black bear and protects water quality in a river that feeds the Gulf of Mexico.

"This is an important step toward protecting the environmental and economic value of Franklin County," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs. “Acquiring this undeveloped land safeguards waterways, preserves habitat and provides the public with open space for recreation."

More than half of the St. Joe Timberland Florida Forever Project is now in public ownership. The biological “hotspot” provides habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, including the Florida black bear, bald eagle and at least 23 rare plants. Crooked River is also home to dwarf pond cypress swamps and unique coastal dunes.

The 13,268-acre parcel was obtained for 96 percent of the appraised value through an agreement between the Department of Environmental Protection and The Nature Conservancy. The Division of Forestry will manage the property as part of Tate’s Hell State Forest.