FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 14, 2003
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2118

Florida Acquires More Land For 
Wekiva-Ocala Greenway

 --Governor and Cabinet's vote preserves 269 acres for public use--

LAKE COUNTY- Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today approved the acquisition of 269 acres within the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway, expanding a natural corridor that stretches from Orlando to the Ocala National Forest. The State has acquired nearly 42,000 acres of the Florida Forever project, over half the total lands needed to complete the greenway.

"Conserving land around one of Florida's largest metropolitan areas not only provides open space for recreation but also safeguards Central Florida's future water supply," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs. "Protecting the groundwater that recharges the springs is crucial to the long-term viability of the Wekiva River ecosystem and the region's water supply."

When complete, the 75,000-acre tract will form a continuous corridor linking the Wekiva Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Lower Wekiva River State Reserve and Hontoon Island State Park with the Ocala National Forest. Connecting the conservation areas will improve land management and protect the region's springs, rivers and lakes.

Continued expansion of the greenway protects habitat for several endangered species, including the Florida black bear, Florida scrub jay, swallow-tailed kite, bald eagle and wading birds. The acquisition also provides the public with enhanced access to natural areas to enjoy camping, swimming, hiking and canoeing away from the booming Orlando metro area.