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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 23 properties covering more than
500,000 acres of protected land.
“Florida has one of the greatest 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 23 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:
- Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway,
Marion County – The team commended DEP’s Office
of Greenways and Trails for invasive plant inventory
and control, design and construction of recreational
facilities, surveys and fencing and planting more
than 2,000 acres with longleaf pines.
- Seminole State Forest, Seminole County –
The Division of Forestry was recognized for its
extraordinary habitat restoration effort and for
initiating an inventory of the springs within the
forest.
- Triple-N-Ranch Wildlife Management Area,
Osceola County – The Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission was commended for its
implementation of the vegetation management program
and the outstanding condition of the natural plant
and wildlife communities.
- Wekiwa Springs State Park, Orange County
– The team recognized DEP’s Division of Recreation
and Parks for the exceptional natural resource
management and recreational opportunities available.
Over the last six 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 250 state parks,
preserves, forests and wildlife management areas.
Florida’s 159 award-winning state parks and greenways
account for more than 770,000 acres.
For more information about land acquisition in
Florida, visit
www.floridaforever.org. | 
