The Post Volume 4, Issue 19

Message from Secretary Colleen M. Castille

Working from Florida’s Emergency Operations Center, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) this week joined every state agency and a host of volunteer organizations to help southwest and central Florida recover from the devastation of Hurricane Charley.

Hundreds of DEP employees from throughout the state are lending their support to emergency operations and storm recovery, going where they are needed to quickly and safely rebuild and restore communities.

Through an Emergency Order, the Department is cutting red tape to reduce process and restore power and water in record time. Already, more than 1.7 million residents have regained power in their homes. Where energy is still unavailable, the Department is expediting the delivery of generators to power homes and community facilities.

Reflecting Florida’s indomitable spirit, some of the strongest healing powers for storm recovery are a result of “people helping people.” In the state’s hardest hit areas, DEP volunteers are distributing food, removing trees, cleaning up storm debris and dispensing food, water, ice and other necessities.

Throughout the coming days and weeks, DEP, along with other state, federal and local partners, will continue to provide the support needed to clean up and rebuild affected areas, ensuring that our residents and local governments receive the aid and supplies to return life to normal.

For more information on DEP’s Emergency Order, visit www.floridadep.org.

Secretary Norton to Host Video Conference with 2004 National Take Pride in America® Award Winners

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton will host a live videoconference from Washington, D.C. with winners of the 2004 National Take Pride in America Volunteer Awards on Monday, August 23. With 18 winners participating from 13 sites, the Secretary will congratulate this year’s honorees and speak about the importance of public stewardship. Florida’s winners include Clermont’s Friends of Lake Louisa State Park, Englewood’s Friends of Lake Louisa State Park and Irene DeLaby in Homossassa Springs State Park.

Presented annually, Take Pride in America’s national awards recognize outstanding volunteer projects and efforts in a variety of categories. The awards program is open to individuals and public and private groups that have contributed to the protection or enhancement of America’s public lands, including public parks, forests, grasslands, reservoirs, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites, local playgrounds and other recreation areas. Winners are selected by a panel of reviewers and will be honored at a September 21 awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The 4,372-acre Lake Louisa State Park lies on the shores of Lake Louisa in the northeast corner of the Green Swamp. It is one of 13 in a chain of lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River, which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water. Last year, nearly 60,000 travelers visited Lake Louisa State Park, a 65 percent increase from the previous year.

The most popular park in its region with more than 250,000 visitors last year, Homosassa Springs is home to an underwater manatee observatory providing a unique view of one of Florida’s most famous native creatures. A new 1,600-foot Wildlife Walk takes visitors along a boardwalk showcasing the natural habitats of bobcats, cougars, otters, bears and hundreds of birds. The park’s reptile exhibit includes many of Florida’s snakes and lizards, both venomous and non-venomous.

Take Pride in America is a national partnership that recruits, supports and recognizes volunteers who work to improve our public lands. With 100 Charter Partners, Take Pride involves federal, state and local governments; conservation, youth and recreation groups; and top national corporations and organizations. For more information visit: www.TakePride.gov.

520 Acres Approved for Florida Forever List

TALLAHASSEE – The Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) voted today to add 520 acres of conservation lands to Florida’s premier land acquisition program, Florida Forever. The program protects natural and historical resources, conserves environmentally sensitive land and water resources and protects the habitat of rare plant and animal species. The council’s recommendations will go before Governor Bush and Florida Cabinet members for final approval.

“The variety of ecosystems protected through Florida Forever highlights the diversity of natural Florida,” said Secretary Castille. “From the reefs in the Keys to the endangered panthers in the forests, these latest projects not only protect habitat, but also provide recreational opportunities and a first hand native Florida experience for visitors.”

and along the Lake Wales Ridge in Highlands County is the latest Florida Forever project. Home to the Central Florida Ridge scrub, one of the oldest upland ecosystems in Florida, this 520-acre perpetual conservation easement will better protect the habitat for 75 rare species. The land, which includes waterfront property along Lake Josephine, will conserve ecosystems thriving in lake waters, swamps and black water streams.

The 10-year $3 billion Florida Forever program established by Governor Bush conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores waterways and preserves important cultural and historical resources. For more information visit, www.floridaforever.org.

Governor Bush Applauds $2.9 Million for Florida Coasts

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Bush and Secretary Castille today applauded a $2.9 million grant from the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase protection for Florida’s coastal resources and revitalize coastal communities.

“Florida’s world renowned beaches and pristine waters draw millions of visitors each year,” said Governor Bush. “This funding not only revitalizes waterfronts and cleans up pollution; it also ensures better protection for our coast and economy.”

The Florida Coastal Management Program includes a network of agencies that protects and enhances the state’s natural, cultural and economic coastal resources, and builds and maintains waterfront communities. The program coordinates local, state and federal agency activities using existing laws to ensure that Florida's coast is as valuable to future generations as it is today.

The Department directs the statewide coastal management program, which includes:

“The Coastal Management Program works with local communities and businesses to revitalize Florida’s coastal areas,” Secretary Castille “DEP will continue working with local partners to improve water quality and maintain and preserve Florida’s beach communities.”

State Parks Seek Environmental Stewardship

TALLAHASSEE - The AmeriCorps Florida State Parks program is seeking energetic nature enthusiasts interested in environmental stewardship and bettering the world around them. Participants in the 11-month service program will gain hands on experience and educational opportunities and earn money towards higher education or student loans.

“Florida’s AmeriCorps program preserves and strengthens Florida State Parks’ natural and cultural resources by addressing critical environmental and human needs,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “AmeriCorps continues its legacy by restoring and improving park resources while revitalizing the interest in community service and environmental stewardship.”

In its eighth year of recruitment, Florida State Parks is looking for 50 full time AmeriCorps participants in 2005. Eligible applicants must be a United States Citizen, eighteen years or older with a valid driver’s license and the ability to serve outdoors. Participants must also have a high school diploma or GED certificate, or acquire one during the program.

Members commit to serve at least 1,700 hours during the 11-month period and will receive a stipend of $10,197 paid in monthly installments. An additional $4,725 Educational Award from the National Service Trust is available upon program completion. Other benefits include health insurance, worker’s compensation, child care (if eligible), specialized training, personal development and peer/community interaction.

The Florida State Parks AmeriCorps program is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and operates in Florida's 158 state parks and their surrounding communities. In cooperation with park staff, local organizations and schools, Florida AmeriCorps members provide service in natural resource management, ADA compliance, environmental education, partnership development and volunteer recruitment.

Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 158 parks covering more than 700,000 acres. Under the leadership of Governor Bush, Florida added eight new parks and 186,574 acres to its nationally-renowned park system. Last year, Florida's parks attracted a record-breaking 19.1 million visitors and volunteers saved taxpayers $20.4 million by contributing nearly one million hours of work to the State.

Florida State Parks Appoints New District Bureau Chief

GAINESVILLE—Florida State Parks welcomed a new Northeast Florida District Bureau Chief on August 19 with the promotion of experienced Assistant Bureau Chief Donald Forgione. Longtime State Park Bureau Chief Torrey Johnson will retire later this year from the position after serving more than 30 years with the Florida Park Service.

“Donald’s passion for visitor services and excellent employee relations make him an excellent choice for this position,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “We look forward to Donald’s leadership in Northeast Florida as another era of excellent leadership ends.”

Forgione began his career in 1983 as a Park Ranger at Paynes Creek State Park in Bowling Green, Florida. Since then, he has worked as Law Enforcement Ranger, Assistant Park Manager, Park Manager and Central District Assistant Bureau Chief in Apopka, Florida. Forgione also worked for the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department as District Manager.

“I am a Ranger first and foremost,” said Forgione. “I am excited to have the opportunity to lead as Bureau Chief of the diverse and beautiful state parks of Northeast Florida.”

Forgione is a member of the Florida Recreation and Parks Association and the Florida Institute of Park Personnel to whom he has lectured on such topics as prescribed burning, visitor service, and employee management. He is an avid outdoorsman and frequently camps in state parks with his wife, three children and four grandchildren.

The Northeast District stretches across the state from Fort Clinch State Park in northern Nassau County to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Citrus County to the district office within Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville. The district encompasses 37 parks with 125,350 acres and welcomed more than 2.7 million visitors last year.

Rare Sea Turtle Released at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

PALM COAST- Walt Kemp's Ridley turtle

Disney World’s Living Seas Animal Care Center released a Kemp's Ridley Atlantic Sea Turtle, one of the rarest of sea turtles, at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park on August 19. The turtle, suffering from a bone infection in the right front flipper, arrived at Disney’s Epcot Center on June 16 after being rescued by Boston’s New England Aquarium.

“We are honored to release an endangered turtle to the wild from the shores of one of our State Parks,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “The pristine waters of the Atlantic at Washington Oaks are perfect for this occasion.”

The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is an endangered species with only around 1,000 nesting females in the world. Kemp’s Ridley, the smallest species of sea turtle, has been listed as endangered throughout its range since December 2, 1970. Today, under strict protection, the population appears to be in the earliest stages of recovery.

The turtle is part of an ongoing rehabilitation program at The Living Seas which has nursed more than 200 endangered sea turtles back to health since 1986. These efforts are in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund has contributed more than $175,000 to sea turtle research in partnership with non-profit organizations throughout the world. For more information and links to sea turtle organizations visit www.disneywildlifefund.com.

Abutting both the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River, scenic Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is an ideal location for swimming, hiking, biking, fishing or picnicking. Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 158 parks covering more than 700,000 acres. Under the leadership of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida added eight new parks and 186,574 acres to its nationally-renowned park system. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.