FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar, (850) 245-2112

Governor and Cabinet Conserve Land Along Kissimmee River

--Acquisition protects entire island from development, buffers Air Force range--

KISSIMMEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today voted to preserve the 1,000-acre BrahmaIsland in Osceola County, buffering the Kissimmee River and protecting a vital military installation from encroachment. Purchased through Florida Forever, the acquisition safeguards the habitat of one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the state.

“This purchase provides benefits for both the environment and national security,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Conserving this land protects wildlife habitat and water quality, while supporting the mission of our Air Force by buffering an important military installation.”

Part of the 44,000-acre Bombing Range Ridge/Brahma Island conservation project, the 1,063-acre parcel of flatwoods, freshwater marshes, swamps and hammocks will be preserved through a perpetual conservation easement, allowing property owners to continue to use the land while protecting it from development. More than 10,000 acres of the project are currently in public ownership.

The Bombing Range Ridge conservation project protects habitat for 20 endangered or threatened species including the red-cockaded woodpecker, snail kite and the Florida scrub jay. Acquisition also protects the scrub ridge -- a water recharge area for the Kissimmee River, Lake Rosalie, Tiger Lake and Lake Walk-in-Water, along with several creeks and marshes. When completed, the project will create a natural corridor by connecting Avon Park Air Force Range, Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, Lake Kissimmee State Park and South Florida Water Management District lands.

The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program, established by Governor Bush and the Florida Legislature conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores waterways and preserves important cultural and historical resources.