|
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida
Cabinet today approved the purchase of approximately
1,810 acres of the 4,569-acre Joshua Creek property.
Located in Orange and Seminole counties, the area is
part of the Econ-St. Johns Ecosystem Florida Forever
project.
“With this purchase, Florida is continuing our
commitment to conserving natural habitats and protecting
threatened and endangered wildlife species,” said
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen
M. Castille. “By partnering with other agencies, we can
protect critical habitat in an area that is developing
quickly to preserve the native ecosystems.”
The Econ-St. Johns Ecosystem Florida Forever
project protects a natural area along Puzzle Lake where
the Econlockhatchee River flows into the St. Johns. The
project adds to other conservation lands along the
river, preserving habitat for the bald eagle, Florida
black bear as well as rare aquatic bird and plant
species and preserving several archaeological sites.
When complete, the Econ-St. Johns Ecosystem project
will protect approximately 28,031 acres. With today’s
approval, more than 12,730 acres have been preserved,
protecting a large expanse of undeveloped land between
the growing cities of Orlando and Titusville.
The purchase is a partnership with the St. Johns
River Water Management District and Orange County, with
the State buying the northern parcel and the District
and the County purchasing the southern portion. The
property will be managed by the Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry
as an addition to Little Big Econ State Forest.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever
program established by Governor Bush and the Florida
Legislature in 1999 conserves environmentally sensitive
land, restores waterways and preserves important
cultural and historical resources. For more information,
visit
www.FloridaForever.org.
|
