St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve Management Plan Review Process
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CAMA is in the process of updating site specific management plans. The St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve
management plan revision was completed in September 2008.
The preserve received vital input from both an advisory committee, developed for the purpose of updating
the plan, and the public. A draft plan was produced and made available to the public for review and comment
in early 2007. Throughout 2007 and 2008, improvements and updates were made. On August 15, 2008 the management
plan was approved by the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC). After approval by ARC, the plan was
presented to and approved by the Governor and Cabinet on September 16, 2008.
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About the St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve
- Formed by a narrow spit of land extending out from Cape
San Blas, St. Joseph Bay is the only embayed body of water
in the eastern Gulf of Mexico not influenced by the inflow
of fresh water.
- St. Joseph Bay is host to one of the richest and most
abundant concentrations of marine grasses along the north
Florida coast.
- Five different species of seagrasses occur within theses
vast meadows that cover approximately one-sixth of the bay
bottom.
- These seagrass beds, along with the expansive salt marsh
habitat in St. Joseph Bay, serve as important nursery and
foraging grounds for a wide variety of species.
- Other habitats include the St. Joseph Peninsula, which is
also a major forage area for migratory birds, in particular
for trans-gulf migrants in the fall and spring.
To the St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve
website
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For more information, please contact Aquatic Preserve Manager,
Kim Wren, at
(850)653-8063 or
Kim.Wren@dep.state.fl.us.
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