FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar (850) 245-2112

Florida Preserves Rare Coastal Scrub Habitat

--State conserves natural lands in Brevard County--

VALKARIA- On Monday, Florida acquired 914 acres in the Brevard Coastal Scrub Ecosystem, one of the most endangered natural upland communities in North America. Purchased through Florida Forever, the acquisition in Brevard County protects rare coastal scrub -- a critical habitat for the endangered Florida scrub-jay.

“Few parcels remain of this original landscape that once dominated coastal areas of Florida,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Conserving this sensitive habitat safeguards waterways and guarantees protection for rare wildlife.”

Only small fragments of the once common coastal scrub that paralleled the Indian River now remain. The State is targeting more than 56,600 acres throughout Brevard County for acquisition. More than fifty percent of the project is now in public ownership. The property will be managed by Brevard County as a conservation area.

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.