CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

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

TWO TALLAHASSEE-AREA STATE PARKS
TO HOST PUBLIC HEARINGS

~The public is invited to share input on the management plans for the two state parks ~

DEP's Florida Park Service is in the process of updating the unit management plans for Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park and Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. Citizens are invited to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposed plans for the state parks and to share their comments.

The public notices, agendas and draft plans are available online here. Copies may also be obtained by emailing Rob.Lacy@dep.state.fl.us or by calling 850-922-6007. In addition to sharing input at the public hearing, the public is invited to review and submit comments to the Division of Recreation and Parks at FL_StateParkPlanning@dep.state.fl.us through Dec. 23, 2015.

WHAT:          Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park Public Hearing

WHEN:          Dec. 8, 2015
                      5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:        Lake Jackson Community Center
                      3840 North Monroe St., Suite 301
                      Tallahassee, FL 32303.

 WHAT:         Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park Public Hearing

 WHEN:         Dec. 9, 2015
                      5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

 WHERE:       Woodville Elementary School
                      Media Center Building
                      9373 Woodville Highway
                      Tallahassee, FL 32305

The following developments are proposed for the updated Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park Unit Management Plan:

• Expand hiking trails in the eastern portion of the park.

• Develop additional educational panels at the day-use area and historic gristmill site.

• Repair the support and administrative facilities, including the park road, shop, office and collections building.

The following developments are proposed for the updated Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park Unit Management Plan:

• Add a new shoreline fishing platform with nearby stabilized parking for up to 10 cars.

• Enhance the existing canoe/kayak launch site.

• Develop the picnic area to include paved parking, a new pavilion, an interpretive kiosk and restroom renovation.

• Improve the Rakestraw House for programming and events.

• Develop a new nature trail along karst features.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this hearing is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the hearing by emailing Rob.Lacy@dep.state.fl.us or calling 850-922-6007. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (Voice).

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 174 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience while visiting. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/128257b