FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar, (850) 245-2112

Florida Unites Conservation Lands Along Northeast Coast

--Acquisition protects coastal habitat, archaeological artifacts and rare wildlife--

FERNANDINA BEACH – A missing link of critical coastal habitat was today added to a network of national and state preserves and parks today. The 75-acre acquisition is part of the 1,280-acre Tiger Island/Little Tiger Island Florida Forever conservation project, stretching from St. Andrews Sound bordering Georgia to the St Johns River in Northeast Florida.

“Conserving these lands protects miles of tidal marsh along the St. Mary’s and Amelia Rivers,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Rich with indigenous artifacts, today’s acquisition protects not only Florida’s environment, but also its history and cultural heritage.”

The diverse natural systems of Tiger Island and Little Tiger Island boast tidal marsh, sand mud flats and upland maritime hammocks. The corridor links Tiger Island and Little Tiger Island to Fort Clinch State Park and Aquatic Preserve and the Timucuan National Ecological and Historic Preserve.

The area is home to rare wading birds, including the roseate spoonbill, wood stork and white ibis. Florida’s highest nesting concentrations of Worthington’s marsh wren and MacGillivray’s seaside sparrow inhabit the marshy ecosystem.

The lands also present a corridor to the past with archeological relics dating back four thousand years.

The property will be managed by DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks as an addition to the historic Fort Clinch State Park. The 10-year $3 billion Florida Forever program, established by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Legislature, conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores waterways and preserves important cultural and historical resources.