FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 25, 2016
GOVERNOR AND CABINET APPROVE 11,000-ACRE ACQUISITION CRUCIAL FOR SPRINGS PROTECTION
~Conservation land will protect 10 springs and provide recreational opportunities~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today,
Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet members agreed to purchase the 11,027-acre
Horn Spring property, located within Leon and Jefferson counties. The property
is a major wildlife corridor, connecting St. Marks River Preserve State Park, Fanlew
Preserve, Aucilla Wildlife Management Area and Natural Bridge Battlefield
Historic State Park. The project will protect water resources, with 10 known
springs on the property, protect 12 known historic sites, and provide a variety
of public recreational and educational opportunities.
“Acquiring the Horn Spring
property is a prime example of efforts to focus taxpayer resources on projects
that provide a direct benefit to the environment and local communities,” said
DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “This is the largest Florida Forever acquisition
since 2006, and it will provide numerous benefits to our springs while offering
recreation for Floridians and visitors.”
The property is located within
the Upper St. Marks River Corridor Florida Forever Project, ranked number 9 in
the Florida Forever Critical Natural Lands project category, and the St. Joe
Timberland – St. Marks Springs site Florida Forever project, ranked number 3 in
the Florida Forever Climate Change Lands project category. The ranking was
approved by the Board of Trustees on April 26, 2016. The
property will be purchased from Natural Bridge Timberlands, LLC, a subsidiary
of AgReserves, Inc.
“As farmers and ranchers, we look
to the long term in everything we do,” said Don
Sleight, CEO, AgReserves, Inc. “That this land will be preserved in perpetuity
for future generations to enjoy is especially gratifying for us. We are glad to
see the ecological treasures on this property come under the ownership and care
of Florida Forever.”
The southern portion of Horn
Spring will be added to the existing Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State
Park and will be managed by the Florida Park Service. The northern portion of
Horn Spring will be managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District
in coordination with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“The District appreciates the
efforts by Governor Scott and DEP to further protect and preserve special
places like this in Northwest Florida,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director
of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “We look forward to working
with DEP and FWC for the long-term preservation of this vital natural
resource.”
“This acquisition presents an
unparalleled opportunity to assist in the protection of the tremendous natural
resources of the St. Marks River ecosystem,” said Greg Knecht, The Nature
Conservancy. “I applaud the state for their work to protect wildlife habitat
and preserve water quality in this vital area of Northwest Florida.”
“Natural Bridge is
among Florida’s most valuable conservation lands. We commend the state’s
efforts to protect the river and springs for the benefit of people and
wildlife,” said Eric Draper, Executive
Director of Audubon Florida.
"The board and staff of Tall Timbers Research Station
and Land Conservancy support this project," said George Willson, Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy board member. "It is a remarkable water
resource and river habitat conservation action by DEP and the private landowner
which preserves a regionally significant hydrologic corridor from the Red Hills
of Tallahassee to tidewater."
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