FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 26, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar, (850) 245-2112 

Florida Completes Annual Land Management Review

--Experts tout Florida’s conservation lands as well managed, publicly available--

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today reviewed the state’s annual land management assessment of conservation, preservation and recreation lands. Under the direction of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), teams of state and local partners assessed 25 properties covering 382,000 acres of protected land.

“Florida has the most aggressive land and water conservation program in the nation,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “We are ensuring the diverse landscape of natural Florida is effectively managed to forever preserve native habitats and provide recreational and educational opportunities to the public.”

Over the last year, experts reviewed the 25 sites for public access, maintenance of native and exotic species, law enforcement, water quality, management and education and outreach programs. Several managed areas gained special recognition:

• Rookery Bay National Estuary Research Reserve, Collier County – The team commended DEP’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) for research and environmental education programs, efficient use of resources and outstanding coordination with state and local partners to obtain funding for conservation.
• Gold Head Branch State Park, Clay County – DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks was commended for restoring Lake Johnson and improving the park’s recreational buildings.
• Tiger Bay State Forest, Volusia County – The Division of Forestry received recognition for road improvements and their extraordinary restoration efforts after the 1998 wildfires.

Over the last five years, more than 700 archaeological and historical sites were preserved along with nearly 560,000 acres of greenways and more than 520,000 acres of wetlands. Acquisitions set aside habitat for 190 rare and endangered plants and animals, including 8 species not previously protected anywhere on public land.

The State of Florida manages more than 3.3 million acres of public land, including 500 state parks, preserves, forests and wildlife management areas. Florida’s 158 award-winning state parks and greenways account for more than 770,000 acres.