FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2016

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

APALACHICOLA NATIONAL ESTUARINE
RESEARCH RESERVE PUBLISHES
"ROAD MAP TO RECREATION" GUIDE

~New guide highlights recreational opportunities throughout Apalachicola River region~

EASTPOINT, Fla. – The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) recently completed a "Road Map to Recreation" guide that showcases recreational opportunities within the natural habitats across Franklin County's conservation lands.

"Numerous recreational opportunities are available throughout the reserve," said Kim Wren, Apalachicola NERR stewardship coordinator. "This guide outlines the area’s many natural and cultural resources for visitors to enjoy."

The recreation guide includes hiking, biking and paddling trails; camping opportunities; picnic spots; prime birding and wildlife viewing locations; and boat launches and fishing areas throughout Apalachicola NERR, St. George Island State Park, St. Vincent Island State Park, Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area, Box R Wildlife Management Area, the southern sections of Apalachicola River Water Management Area, Tate's Hell State Forest and Wildlife Management Area, and Apalachicola National Forest.

The guide promotes conservation strategies for visitors to "Leave No Trace" and features a "Recreation Survival Chart" that includes safety tips on outdoor recreation and wildlife encounters.

To pick up your free "Road Map to Recreation" guide, visit the Apalachicola NERR Nature Center located at 108 Island Drive in Eastpoint or call 850-670-7700.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Coastal Office

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Coastal Office (FCO) is responsible for oversight of the state’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Florida Coastal Management Program and the Outer Continental Shelf Program. FCO's mission is to conserve and restore Florida’s coastal, ocean and aquatic resources for the benefit of people and the environment. For more information, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/.