FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 30, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither,
(850) 245-2112
Green Swamp Acquisition Protects Central
Florida Waters
-- Additional 1,800 acres conserved through
Florida Forever--
ORLANDO – Central Florida’s groundwater received
added protection this week when the State acquired 1,800 acres
within the Green Swamp Florida Forever project. Florida
is investing $2.8 million to conserve five parcels. More than
1,300 acres will be preserved through conservation easements,
which allow property owners to continue to use the land while
protecting it from development.
“Green Swamp is an integral part of central Florida’s
water supply,” said Department of Environmental Protection
Secretary David B. Struhs. “Conservation easements are a cost
effective tool for protecting environmentally sensitive areas --
taxpayers, property owners and Florida’s natural resources
share the benefits.”
Extending throughout Lake and Polk counties, the Green Swamp Florida
Forever project protects 279,224 acres of cypress swamp,
pine forest and pasture. With the highest groundwater elevation
in the peninsula, Green Swamp is critical to maintaining the
flow of water from the Floridan Aquifer, which gives rise to
four major rivers in the region -- the Withlacoochee, Oklawaha,
Hillsborough and Peace Rivers.
Two Florida State Parks are located within the Green Swamp
area. Once a railroad track, the Van Fleet Trail State Park
provides a 29-mile trail for bicyclists, hikers, joggers and
equestrians. Lake Louisa State Park covers 4,372-acres -- the
lake is one of 13 in a chain connected by the Palatlakaha River.
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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