http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary...12/1219_06.htm

Governor, Cabinet Add Key Parcel to the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway

-- Acquisition protects 1,580 acres of environmentally-sensitive land in Wekiva River Basin --

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today approved the purchase of more than 1,580 acres as a part of the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Florida Forever project. The parcel of environmentally-sensitive land spanning Orange and Lake counties is the second of four properties identified for protection in the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act signed into law by Governor Bush in 2004. In 2005, the State placed a conservation easement over a first 1,553-acre parcel to help build the parkway while protecting springs, rivers and black bear habitat.

“This priority purchase represents a delicate balance between environmental protection and economic growth, meeting regional transportation needs and protecting important habitat and spring recharge areas in the region,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Through partnerships, we are able to prepare for the region’s growth while ensuring natural areas and endangered wildlife are protected for the future.”

In 2004, the Florida Legislature approved the landmark Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act to build an expressway in Central Florida based on the recommendations of a task force appointed by Governor Bush. The Wekiva Parkway, which connects State Road 429 in Apopka to Interstate 4 in Sanford, includes a host of environmental safeguards, including the preservation of nearly 10,000 acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat and elevating the road across environmentally sensitive areas.

Designated as a priority purchase for the state, this purchase protects a large area of undeveloped land and preserves habitat, spring and groundwater recharge areas within the Wekiva River Basin. The acquisition is an addition to the 76,700-acre Wekiva-Ocala Greenway, which when complete will form a continuous conservation corridor linking Wekiva Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park and Hontoon Island State Park with the Ocala National Forest. More than 45,000 acres of the Florida Forever project are already in public ownership.

Along with habitat for the Florida black bear, the greenway also protects habitat for several other endangered species, such as the Florida scrub jay, swallow-tailed kite and bald eagle. Located in the popular central Florida region, the project also enhances public access to natural areas for camping, swimming, hiking and canoeing. The newly acquired parcel will be managed as part of the Rock Springs Run State Preserve.

The property, known as Neighborhood Lakes, will be purchased for approximately $60.2 million, with the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority contributing close to $6 million and the St. Johns River Water Management District and Lake and Orange counties contributing $20 million combined. In addition to the purchase price, the Expressway Authority is paying $13.8 million to prevent future litigation and for all current and future development rights associated with the property.

The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program established by Governor Bush and the Florida Legislature conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores water resources and preserves important cultural and historic resources. For more information, visit www.FloridaForever.org.