FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 28,, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112
Heather Pence, (850) 245-2077

First Ever Private Lands Added To The Florida Greenways And Trails System

-- Public gains access to a new 17-mile stretch of trail in Plum Creek --

ST. AUGUSTINE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today recognized the first landowner to share private property with Florida's statewide system of greenways and trails. In the first agreement of its kind, the Plum Creek Timber Company is offering visitors and residents free access to a private 17.6-mile hiking trail, which crosses Union and Baker counties.

"Every piece of land added to Florida's system of trails provides more open space for our families to enjoy," said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs. "Plum Creek's desire to share land with their neighbors sets an example for other private landowners to follow."

Plum Creek Timber Company is the first landowner to sign an agreement with the State under the Florida Greenways and Trails Designation Program, which encourages the use of private land for public enjoyment. In exchange, the State provides landowners with the same liability protection that covers the publicly-owned Florida Greenways and Trails system.

“The success of a statewide trail system relies on support from both public and private partners,” said Jena Brooks, Director of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails. “There is no better to way to celebrate October as Greenways and Trails month than with this landmark agreement."

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Trail Association and Plum Creek Timber Company partnered to establish the trail that adds a critical link in the Florida Greenways and Trails System. The trail is the first on private land certified by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service as part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, “Florida’s footpath forever.” The Forest Service and the Florida Trail Association will manage the trail.