FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

Central Florida Land Buy Protects Waters

--Florida Forever conserves additional 3,500 acres of Green Swamp--

ORLANDO – The State increased protection today for Central Florida’s water supply with the purchase of 3,500 acres of Green Swamp. The acreage will be preserved through conservation easements, allowing property owners to continue to use the land while protecting it from development.

“Green Swamp’s mosaic of cypress swamp, pine forest and pasture is a vital part of the water supply of Central Florida,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Through the Florida Forever Program, the State is conserving and protecting our precious water resources.”

Extending throughout Lake and Polk counties, the Green Swamp Florida Forever project protects more than 279,000 acres of environmentally important land. With the highest groundwater elevation in the peninsula, Green Swamp is critical to maintaining the flow of water from the Floridan Aquifer, which gives rise to four major rivers in the region -- the Withlacoochee, Oklawaha, Hillsborough and Peace Rivers.

The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program established by Governor Bush conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores waterways and preserves important cultural and historical resources. For more information, visit www.FloridaForever.org.

-30-

004-305

Resources for: Citizens Educators Businesses Government Information Calendar Contacts News Newsletters Organizational Chart Publications & Reports Unless indicated, documents on this Web site are Adobe Acrobat files, and require the free reader software.	Press Office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2004 CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112 Central Florida Land Buy Protects Waters --Florida Forever conserves additional 3,500 acres of Green Swamp-- ORLANDO – The State increased protection today for Central Florida’s water supply with the purchase of 3,500 acres of Green Swamp. The acreage will be preserved through conservation easements, allowing property owners to continue to use the land while protecting it from development. “Green Swamp’s mosaic of cypress swamp, pine forest and pasture is a vital part of the water supply of Central Florida,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Through the Florida Forever Program, the State is conserving and protecting our precious water resources.” Extending throughout Lake and Polk counties, the Green Swamp Florida Forever project protects more than 279,000 acres of environmentally important land. With the highest groundwater elevation in the peninsula, Green Swamp is critical to maintaining the flow of water from the Floridan Aquifer, which gives rise to four major rivers in the region -- the Withlacoochee, Oklawaha, Hillsborough and Peace Rivers. The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program established by Governor Bush conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores waterways and preserves important cultural and historical resources. For more information, visit www.FloridaForever.org. -30- 004-305 Last updated: November 18, 2004
Copyright © 2008 State of Florida Disclaimer Exit Disclaimer Privacy Statement	Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard M.S. 49 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 850-245-2118 (phone) / 850-245-2128 (fax)
	DEP Home \| About DEP \| Contact Us \| Search \| Site Map