Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112

State Adds 1,541 Acres to the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway

-- Parcel links 9,000 acres in Putnam County --

PALATKA – Over 1,500 acres were added to the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway project this week through the state’s premier land conservation program, Florida Forever. Stretching from the St. Johns River to the Gulf of Mexico and crossing the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve and the Ross Prairie State Forest, the 110-mile Cross Florida Greenway covers more than 94,500 acres with close to 200 miles of trails.

Word keeps spreading about Florida’s many great outdoor attractions,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David B. Struhs. “This is a one-of-a-kind nature adventure. Every piece of land added to the Greenway offers more opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.”

The acquisition provides a critical conservation link in Putnam County between 3,600 acres on the east and 5,500 acres to the west, connects important habitat for the Florida black bear and dozens of other rare species, including the fox squirrel, gopher tortoise and scrub jay, and ensures the federally listed Etoniah rosemary a safe, protected place to thrive.

“The Cross Florida Greenway is the crown jewel of our statewide greenways and trails system,” said DEP Greenways and Trails director Jena B. Brooks. “Whether exploring by land or water, the Greenway is a gateway to nature’s secrets.”

The Cross Florida Greenway includes America’s first land bridge. The Etoniah parcel will be managed by DEP’s Office of Greenways & Trails as an addition to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Trailheads provide opportunities to hike, bike, horseback ride, off-road cycle and canoe through four counties -- Citrus, Levy, Marion and Putnam.

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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Resources for: Citizens Educators Businesses Government Information Calendar Contacts News Newsletters Organizational Chart Publications & Reports Unless indicated, documents on this Web site are Adobe Acrobat files, and require the free reader software.	Press Office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2003 CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112 State Adds 1,541 Acres to the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway -- Parcel links 9,000 acres in Putnam County -- PALATKA – Over 1,500 acres were added to the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway project this week through the state’s premier land conservation program, Florida Forever. Stretching from the St. Johns River to the Gulf of Mexico and crossing the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve and the Ross Prairie State Forest, the 110-mile Cross Florida Greenway covers more than 94,500 acres with close to 200 miles of trails. Word keeps spreading about Florida’s many great outdoor attractions,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David B. Struhs. “This is a one-of-a-kind nature adventure. Every piece of land added to the Greenway offers more opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.” The acquisition provides a critical conservation link in Putnam County between 3,600 acres on the east and 5,500 acres to the west, connects important habitat for the Florida black bear and dozens of other rare species, including the fox squirrel, gopher tortoise and scrub jay, and ensures the federally listed Etoniah rosemary a safe, protected place to thrive. “The Cross Florida Greenway is the crown jewel of our statewide greenways and trails system,” said DEP Greenways and Trails director Jena B. Brooks. “Whether exploring by land or water, the Greenway is a gateway to nature’s secrets.” The Cross Florida Greenway includes America’s first land bridge. The Etoniah parcel will be managed by DEP’s Office of Greenways & Trails as an addition to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Trailheads provide opportunities to hike, bike, horseback ride, off-road cycle and canoe through four counties -- Citrus, Levy, Marion and Putnam. 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. -30- Sign up for DEP's Press Releases email: Last updated: June 15, 2004
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