|
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary
Michael W. Sole today applauded Senate Bill 542, legislation signed into law
yesterday by Governor Crist relating to land acquisition and management.
“I applaud Governor Crist and the Florida Legislature for their leadership
and commitment to Florida’s environment, recognizing the importance of our
landmark land preservation program,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole.
“Acquiring environmentally-sensitive lands is conserving diverse natural
habitats, protecting lands for recreation and preserving natural and historical
resources.”
Senate Bill 542, sponsored by Representative Stan Mayfield and Senator Burt
Saunders, extends the state’s premier land acquisition program, Florida Forever,
for another decade. The law builds upon the successful conservation program by
improving land management activities, increasing monitoring and reporting
requirements and encouraging and accelerating public recreational access on
state-owned lands.
“Thanks to the support of stakeholders, particularly the Florida Forever
Coalition, the nation’s largest land acquisition program will continue the
important work of protecting the best of Florida’s natural resource lands and
recreational opportunities for future generations,” said DEP Deputy Secretary
for Land and Recreation Bob Ballard. “Through Florida Forever, we are preserving
vital habitat for threatened and endangered species and providing unmatched
opportunities for education and recreation in our state’s natural environment.”
Originally established in 1999, the 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever
program is the largest land-buying initiative in the nation, conserving
environmentally sensitive land, restoring water resources and preserving
important cultural and historical sites. More than two million acres throughout
the state have been placed in public ownership under Florida Forever and its
predecessor program, Preservation 2000 (P2000).
For more information on the Florida Forever program, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands/acquisition/FloridaForever/. | 
