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FLORIDA KEYS – Continuing their commitment to
preserve environmentally-sensitive lands in the Florida
Keys, Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today
voted to acquire more than 51 acres as part of the
Florida Keys Ecosystem Florida Forever project.
With more than 3,950 feet of waterfront property
combined, the properties are part of an accelerated plan
to preserve almost 12,000 acres along the 106-mile chain
of islands.
“Continued growth throughout the Florida Keys means
it is more important than ever to protect sensitive land
by placing it into public ownership for perpetuity,”
said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary
Colleen M. Castille. “By purchasing properties such as
these, Florida is preserving both the wildlife and plant
habitat as well as the environmental and economic value
of the area.”
The Florida Keys Ecosystem Florida Forever project
stretches from South Key Largo to Boca Chica Key,
encompassing parcels of West Indian plants and some of
the largest remaining tracts of undeveloped hardwood
hammocks. The habitats support more than 60 rare and
endangered plants and animals, including the Lower Keys
marsh rabbit, Key deer and white-crowned pigeon.
The project also helps protect the Outstanding
Florida Waters of the Keys, recreational and commercial
fisheries and the coral reefs off the island shores.
More than 5,181 acres of the project are already in
public ownership.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program
established by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida
Legislature conserves environmentally sensitive land,
restores waterways and preserves important cultural and
historical resources. For more information, visit
www.FloridaForever.org | 
