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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida
Cabinet today reviewed the state’s annual land
management assessment of its conservation, preservation
and recreational lands. Under the direction of the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), teams of
state and local partners assessed 31 properties covering
close to 500,000 acres of protected land during the
2005/2006 fiscal year.
“Florida has one of the greatest land acquisition
programs in the nation with the implementation of
Florida Forever,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille.
“Florida continues to ensure that the state’s natural
unique landscapes are properly managed to preserve in
perpetuity native habitats and provide recreational and
educational opportunities for the public.”
Over the last year, experts evaluated the properties
for public access, maintenance of native and removal of
exotic species, law enforcement, water quality,
management and education and outreach programs. Several
managed areas received special recognition:
- West Lake Park, Broward County – The County was
recognized for its management of recreational uses at
the site, facilities, interpretive programs and efforts
to establish diverse estuarine habitats at the park.
- Welaka State Forest, Putnam County – The review
team commended the Division of Forestry for improvements
in the prescribed fire program over the past five years,
protection of bald eagle nests in the forest and for
restoration of the forest to improve habitat for
wildlife.
- Jones-Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area,
Martin County – The Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission was applauded for aggressive and
proactive invasive exotic plant control program, the
quality of prescribed burnings and for cooperating with
the County to provide passive recreational opportunities
that allow public access without compromising the
quality of the site’s natural resources.
- Topsail Hill State Park, Walton County – The team
recognized DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks for
the educational outreach programs within the local
community and for participating with federal, state and
university officials in continuing programs such as the
Choctawhatchee beach mouse monitoring program. The
Division was also commended for its community
involvement and participation in local growth management
issues, environmental education and volunteerism.
Since 1999, Florida has acquired more than 1.2
million acres of land through Florida Forever, the
state’s land acquisition program, and its predecessor,
Preservation 2000. 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 720,000 acres.
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.
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