FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 17, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

Take Pride in Florida Gaining Unprecedented Support

--More than 426,000 pledged hours protects, restores public lands--

TALLAHASSEE — With pledges totaling more than 426,000 service hours, Take Pride in Florida is fast becoming one of the largest volunteer efforts for public lands in the nation’s history just a month after Governor Jeb Bush launched the new initiative. At parks, preserves and forests across the state, nearly 850 volunteers dedicated 3,750 hours to remove 20,000 pounds of hurricane debris and clear 50 miles of trails during an October kick-off.

“Take Pride in Florida is already the single, most successful volunteer commitment to Florida’s conservation lands in the state’s history,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “The dedication of hundreds of residents is accelerating the restoration and preservation of areas damaged by this year’s hurricanes and contributing to the recovery of our communities.”

The new volunteer program has residents pledging service hours throughout the year to protect and restore Florida’s public land in the aftermath of four hurricanes. The pledge of more than 426,000 hours could save taxpayers more than $9 million over the next year.

At Honeymoon Island State Park last month, more than 200 volunteers joined DEP Secretary Castille, National Park Service Director Fran Maniella and Take Pride in America® director Marti Albright to clean up debris and clear trails. The Honeymoon Island volunteers spent 892 hours collecting nearly 746 pounds of debris from beaches and clearing eight miles of trail.

“This is a remarkable beginning that will inspire others,” said Secretary Castille. “Making a commitment to our communities and public lands through Take Pride in Florida will protect more wildlife habitat, restore recreational facilities and build more trails for our families.”

Florida State Park volunteers are leading the drive with more than 234,000 hours pledged. The State Park Citizen Support Organizations have pledged another 37,000 hours. In addition to service pledges from individual volunteers, the Florida Trails Association is committing 60,000 hours of member service and Good Sams Club pledged 1,000 hours. The Gilchrist and Marion County Sheriff’s Offices pledged inmate labor totaling 9,000 hours. St. Johns River Water Management District Volunteers are dedicating 40,000 hours to the massive stewardship campaign.

Florida is home to more than 14 million acres of state and federal conservation lands, including state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, historic sites and educational facilities. Last year alone in Florida, volunteers contributed more than one million hours to care for public lands.

In partnership with Take Pride in America®, Take Pride in Florida encourages volunteer-led conservation projects, preserves America’s public lands and fosters a culture of service in others.