FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2004
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2118
Florida
Springs Coastal Greenway Expands Boundaries
-- Unanimous vote by land acquisition
panel protects manatee and black bear habitat –
CRYSTAL RIVER – Crystal clear springs and manatees
received added protection today when Florida tagged more than
a hundred acres of natural landscape for conservation in
Citrus County. The State’s nine-member Acquisition and
Restoration Council voted to preserve 142 acres of spring
run, coastal estuary and black bear country as an addition to
the Florida Springs Coastal Greenway.
“Florida’s springs provide immeasurable natural,
recreational and economic benefits to our residents and
visitors,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Secretary David B. Struhs. “Conserving land along this
growing area of the Gulf Coast protects water quality in
rivers, springs and estuaries and safeguards important
manatee habitat.”
The Florida Springs Coastal Greenway protects nearly
43,000 acres of coastal land along the entire length of
Citrus County. The conservation project borders the St.
Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve and Chassahowitzka National
Wildlife Refuge and includes the headwaters of Crystal River.
“This scenic area offers exceptional fishing and hiking,”
said Secretary Struhs. “Expanding these conservation lands
provides a natural haven for wildlife and more open space for
enjoying the outdoors.”
Extending the Homosassa Wildlife Corridor, the 142-acre
expansion connects the Withlacoochee State Forest to the
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Conservation protects
water quality within the Homosassa River, springs runs and
estuaries vital to the endangered manatee. The acquisition
also protects a key wildlife corridor used by the
Chassahowitzka population of black bear.
Acquisition and Restoration Council members represent the
Department of Environmental Protection, Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, Department of State, Department of
Community Affairs and four members appointed by the Governor.
The Council evaluates conservation proposals for
acquisition through Florida Forever -- the 10-year, $3
billion program established by Governor Bush that conserves
environmentally sensitive land, restores water resources and
preserves important cultural and historical resources.
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04-021
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