FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2015
STATE
PURCHASES CONSERVATION LANDS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
~348
acres acquired with third magnitude spring in Florida Forever Project~
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection closed on the acquisition of 348 acres of conservation lands in Washington
County within Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Florida Forever project.
The project, which cost $781,545, was ranked No. 1 in the Florida Forever
Partnerships and Regional Incentives project category, and contains a third magnitude
spring known as Brunson Landing Spring. It also includes two small unnamed seeps, which flow into Holmes Creek.
Holmes Creek is primarily a spring-fed creek containing a total of 51 springs within a 25-mile radius. The acquisition will ensure greater spring protection, while maintaining the current public access for fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, boating and hiking. The Choctawhatchee
River Water Management Area and Glover Conservation Easement are adjacent
publicly-owned properties.
“Acquiring this land will help to protect the natural resources and water quality of Holmes Creek and the more than 50 springs that feed it,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson.
“The District is proud to be a partner with the department
and FWC toward the shared goal of protecting this important resource for
Florida and its visitors,” said Brett Cyphers, the executive director of the
Northwest Florida Water Management District.
The Northwest Florida
Water Management District will manage the property as part of the
Choctawhatchee River Water Management Area in cooperation with the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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