CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

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

FORT CLINCH STATE PARK AND FERNANDINA PLAZA HISTORIC STATE PARK TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING

~The public is invited to provide comments on the management plan~

WHAT:       Public Hearing 

WHEN:       March 15, 2017
                   5-7 p.m.

WHERE:    The Peck Center
                   516 South 10th St.,
                   Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

DEP's Florida Park Service is in the process of updating the unit management plans for Fort Clinch State Park and Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park. Citizens are invited to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposed plans for the state parks and to provide their comments.

The public notice, agenda and draft plans are available online. Copies may also be obtained by emailing Heath.Alboher@dep.state.fl.us or calling 904-277-7233. There will be a brief presentation at 5:30 p.m., but staff will be available for the duration of the hearing to answer questions and accept public comment. Additionally, the public is invited to review and submit comments to the Division of Recreation and Parks at FL_StateParkPlanning@dep.state.fl.us until March 30, 2017. 

Improvements for Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park include continuing to develop and maintain the capital facilities, infrastructure and interpretive programs at the park to provide public access and numerous recreational opportunities.

Improvements for the updated Fort Clinch State Park management plan:

• Improve accessibility and construct an interpretive exhibit at the Amelia Island campground;
  
• Replace dock on Tiger/Martins Island;
  
• Expand seating and picnicking opportunities and update interpretive exhibits in the visitor center;
  
• Construct picnic pavilion and restroom in the picnic area;
• Develop parking area and make trail improvements at the Willow Pond trailhead;
• Expand Atlantic Beach campground to include 10 additional RV sites;
• Assess damage to fishing pier that was impacted by Hurricane Matthew and evaluate construction options for new pier if necessary; and 
• Develop trail connections between use areas.  

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 Heath.Alboher@dep.state.fl.us or calling 904-277-7233. 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. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/18d15f8