FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112
Partnership Preserves Over 12,000 Acres
In
Volusia County
-- State, Water Management District and
County conserve important lands –
VOLUSIA COUNTY – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida
Cabinet today unanimously agreed to expand a land corridor
stretching from the marshes of the St. Johns River to Tiger Bay
State Forest. Florida is acquiring one-third of a 12,198-acre
tract recently purchased by the St. Johns River Water Management
District and Volusia County.
“Our partnership with the Water Management District and
Volusia County made this acquisition possible," said
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs.
“Combining our financial resources is an affordable way to
triple protection and preserve three times the land for future
generations.”
The State and County acquired the parcel as an addition to
the Volusia Conservation Corridor Florida Forever project.
The project preserves low-lying flatwoods, swamp, indigenous
plants and endangered animals, including the Florida black bear,
bald eagle and wading birds. With more than 14,500 in public
ownership, visitors can hike, bike, horseback ride, fish, hunt,
camp and observe rare wildlife.
When complete, the 33,625-acre tract will span Volusia and
Flagler counties, linking the Tiger Bay State Forest to the east
with the Heart Island Conservation Area to the north. The
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of
Forestry is managing the property as an addition to the Tiger
Bay State Forest.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program established
by Governor Bush conserves environmentally sensitive land,
restores water resources and preserves important cultural and
historical resources.
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Press Office
