FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  November 25, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112

Cabinet Votes To Acquire Land Along 
Crooked River

--13,268 acres added to Panhandle conservation area --

TALLAHASSEE—Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today approved the acquisition of over 13,000 acres along the Crooked River as an addition to the 145,871-acre St. Joe Timberland Florida Forever Project. The purchase protects water quality in a river that feeds the Gulf of Mexico and conserves habitat for the Florida black bear.

"This is another 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 natural resources 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 and bald eagle and at least 23 rare plants. Crooked River is also home to dwarf pond cypress swamps and unique coastal dunes.

The Crooked River parcel, which includes 20 miles of untouched riverfront, will be 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.