DEP SECRETARY APPROVES ACQUISITION OF SIX GREENWAY AND TRAIL PROJECTS

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 18, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

DEP SECRETARY APPROVES ACQUISITION OF SIX GREENWAY AND TRAIL PROJECTS

~Department approves recommendations of the Florida Greenways and Trails Council~

Four Freedoms Trail in Madison

Four Freedoms Trail is a 12-mile recreational trail extending north from the city limits of Madison to the Withlacoochee River. 

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. has approved six acquisition projects that close key trail gaps in the Florida Greenways and Trails Priority System. Funding for the projects will come from the department’s Florida Forever funding to the Office of Greenways and Trails. 

“These projects will enhance recreational opportunities for Florida residents and visitors,” said Secretary Vinyard. “In simpler terms, these trails will enable the folks to get a little mud on their boots and bike tires.”

The projects include two trail gaps in Palm Beach County along the 63-mile Ocean to Lake Trail that runs from Hobe Sound Beach near Jupiter to Lake Okeechobee in Port Mayaca. The trail is used by hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. 

Additionally, two projects will help close gaps in the 110-mile Cross Florida Greenway and another connects the Cross Florida Greenway to the 4,462-acre Indian Lake State Forest near Silver Springs in Ocala. An approved project in the Florida Panhandle creates a greenway along the scenic Chipola River in Jackson County, furthering a planned publicly owned corridor from Florida Caverns State Park to the county-owned Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area.  

The approved projects have been given to the department’s Division of State Lands to begin the acquisition process. To view the complete project list, click HERE