FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apr. 11, 2014
BIG BEND SEAGRASSES AQUATIC PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVED BY ACQUISITION AND RESTORATION COUNCIL
~Plan establishes future research and management goals for the aquatic preserve~
TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic preserve Management
Plan was approved by the Acquisition and Restoration Council. The Council is responsible for reviewing the management plans and land use for all
state-owned conservation lands, as well as the selection and ranking of land
acquisition projects on the Florida Forever priority list. This meeting was the final public review for the plan.
The Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve is one of 41
Florida Aquatic Preserves managed by the Florida Coastal Office. Each preserve maintains and updates a ten year management plan. This Preserve
is located on the West-Northwest coastal edges of the Florida
Peninsula.
“An
updated management plan ensures that the aquatic preserve is set apart for the
enjoyment of future generations as required by Florida statute,” said Tim
Jones, manager of the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve. “It also conserves important seagrasses that are the
basis of the livelihood of thousands of people in the Big Bend. Each of the
jobs created from the resource has a ripple effect adding positive economic
benefits in all the counties adjacent to the aquatic preserve.”
In
this plan, the Preserve characterizes each of its issues and delineates unique
goals, objectives and strategies that set the framework for meeting the
challenges presented by the issues. Objectives include reducing non-native,
invasive plant and animal species within the managed lands; conducting
education, training, and outreach programs for targeted audiences; and
supporting visiting investigators conducting research in the Preserve.
The four long-term goals of the Florida Coastal Office’s
Aquatic Preserve Program are to:
- Protect and enhance the ecological integrity of the
aquatic preserves
- Restore areas to their natural condition
- Encourage sustainable use and foster active stewardship
by engaging local communities in the protection of aquatic preserves
- Improve management effectiveness through a process based
on sound science, consistent evaluation, and continual reassessment
As required by Florida Statute, the plan’s approval is subject to confirmation at an upcoming Board of Trustees
of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund meeting.
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