FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 31, 2018
State
Acquires Two Scenic Parcels in Franklin County for Conservation and Recreation
~Additional 1,000 acres will expand recreational opportunities, conserve
wildlife habitat and protect water quality of the Jackson and Apalachicola
rivers and Apalachicola Bay ~
Box-R Wildlife Management Area
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The
Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have jointly purchased two parcels
that will be added to the Box-R Wildlife
Management Area (WMA) in Franklin County.
The two agencies evenly split the
cost of purchasing 552 acres from Wimico Bud, LLC, which totaled $370,000, and
492 acres from Wimico Imports, LLC, which totaled $330,000. Together, the properties add
roughly 1,000 acres and 2,400 feet of protected frontage along the
Jackson River. This addition increases the area of the Box-R WMA to more than
12,000 acres.
DEP Deputy Secretary for Land and
Recreation David Clark said, “This acquisition serves as a great example of the
results that can be achieved through partnership and cooperation. We are
honored to work with FWC to help protect this land for future generations.”
FWC Land Conservation Coordinator
Larame Ferry said, “We are excited to add this key property to the Box-R
Wildlife Management Area, allowing expanded recreational opportunities for
visitors and conservation of important habitat for rare plants and animals and
the watershed and water quality of the Jackson and Apalachicola rivers and
Apalachicola Bay.”
Recreational opportunities at
Box-R WMA include cycling, hiking, hunting, equestrian activities and wildlife viewing.
The area is home to a diversity of wildlife, including the bald eagle, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, Florida
black bear, American alligator and gopher tortoise. The expansion of Box-R WMA
will ensure continued conservation while enabling world-class recreational
opportunities for Florida’s visitors and residents.
You can explore wildlife management areas
across the state.
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