FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 20, 2013
GOVERNOR, FLORIDA CABINET APPROVE 21,000 ACRE PURCHASE TO BUFFER EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE
~Conservation land
purchase completes Florida Forever project in Florida Panhandle~
MIAMI – Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet
today approved the purchase of nearly 21,000 acres of conservation land as part
of a partnership between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
The Trust for Public Land and landowner M.C. Davis after Florida was awarded
$1.75 million from the U.S. Department of Defense as part of the 2013 REPI
Challenge.
Governor
Scott said, "Florida's conservation land program is one of the most robust
in the country and we can smartly use taxpayer dollars to improve our
environment while showing that Florida is the country's most military friendly
state. We are thankful for the investments of MC Davis, The Trust for Public
Land and the U.S. Department of Defense as we continue to purchase land that
will ensure our military can properly train to protect Florida families and our
important habitats."
The
Department is slated to contribute $10.2 million of Florida Forever funds,
Davis has discounted the property by $7 million, the U.S. Department of Defense
will contribute $1.75 million as part of the 2013
REPI Challenge
and Eglin Air Force Base will contribute $550,000.
The
Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program funds cost-sharing
partnerships for the military with state and local governments and private
conservation organizations to address the need for compatible land use and
conserved natural landscapes in support of military readiness. Projects require
at least a 1:1 funding match.
DEP
Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. said, “The Department has prioritized buying
conservation land that protects springs, water quality and water quantity
sources and buffers military areas. The purchase of 21,000 acres buffering
Eglin Air Force Base accomplishes many of the Department's conservation goals.
Under Governor Scott’s leadership, this purchase shows that smart land
purchases with committed partners can make a difference."
Col.
Shawn Moore, 96th Civil Engineer Group commander said, "With the census
recognizing Florida as having one of the largest population growths of any
state, this 20,800 acre conservation easement will provide a critical buffer
from future development for the many Department of Defense missions that
Eglin's test and training range supports. This is the largest REPI acquisition
ever, and could not have been realized without the support of Eglin's partners,
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and The Trust for Public
Land.”
The
purchase completes the Seven Runs Creek Florida Forever
Project. In 2010, the North Nokuse Plantation project, which encompasses 11,961
acres, and the Seven Runs Creek project — 14,649 acres — were combined. The
project was added to the Florida Forever priority list because of its
groundwater recharge benefits and ability to protect 14 rare species, including
the Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, Florida pine snake, Pine Barrens
treefrog and eastern diamondback rattlesnake. It also provides additional
buffer for Eglin Air Force Base, one of the country’s largest Air Force bases.
Greg
Chelius, senior project manager for The Trust for Public Land said, “We’re
grateful to partner with the State of Florida. Seven Runs Creek is a priority
for clean drinking water and the Gulf of Mexico. M.C. Davis, the landowner, has
already planted 7 million longleaf pine trees and his vision for restoration is
the centerpiece of this initiative. And Eglin Air Force Base and Walton
County will benefit from the protected lands which buffer the base.”
Landowner
M.C. Davis said, “The Seven Runs Creek conservation project is an exemplary
example of success through cooperation between the Department of Defense,
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Eglin Air Force Base, and
private land owners. This success enhances the security of our country and our
environment.”
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