FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 10, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar, (850) 245-2112
Florida Keys Gain Added Protection
--Governor Bush and Cabinet approve purchase in Stirrup Key--
TALLAHASSEE – An additional nine acres was further protected today
under the Florida Keys’ Florida Forever Project when Governor Jeb Bush and the
Florida Cabinet approved its acquisition. More than nine acres in the Stirrup
Key Hammock, including waterfront property, is part of an accelerated
conservation plan to acquire more than 6,400 acres along the 106-mile chain of
islands.
“Purchasing the unique waterfront property brings us closer to protecting the
environmental and economic value of the Florida’s Keys,” said Department of
Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “This vote further
ensures precious waterways, endangered wildlife and native vegetation are
protected in perpetuity.”
More than 3,000 acres in the Florida Keys Forever Project are already in
public ownership. Acquired for $380,000, the additional
nine acres will make the
project more than a quarter complete just five months after the Governor and Cabinet authorized the fast-track of land acquisition
in the Florida Keys.
The waterfront property, located on Stirrup Key Hammock, contains pine
rocklands and hardwood hammocks that are unique to the Florida Keys and home to
rare plants and animals including the Lower Keys marsh rabbit and Key deer. The
State is acquiring the land from Monroe County, allowing for consistent
management of the land under Florida Forever and freeing funding for the County
to expand affordable housing.
The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program established by Governor Bush
and the Florida Legislature in 1999 conserves environmentally sensitive land,
restores waterways and preserves important cultural and historical resources.
For more information, visit
www.FloridaForever.org.
-30-
004-205
Press Office
