Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Protects Florida Black Bears

--Governor and Cabinet preserves habitat, provides critical land link--

LAKE COUNTY -- Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today approved the acquisition of 273 acres within the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway to protect black bear habitat and expand a natural corridor that stretches from Orlando to the Ocala National Forest. The State has acquired approximately 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 creates open space for recreation and protects endangered wildlife," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs. "Today’s acquisition helps sustain the Florida black bear population by linking habitat and providing black bears that inhabit the greenway with a natural pathway to a larger population in the Ocala National Forest.”

The State began acquiring property in the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway in the 1960s. 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 Aquatic Preserve, Hontoon Island State Park and the Ocala National Forest.

Expansion of the greenway protects the region's springs, rivers and lakes and provides habitat for more than 50 Florida black bears. Close to the booming Orlando metro area, the greenway also provides the public with access to natural areas for camping, swimming, hiking and canoeing.