Florida Forever Florida Forever was created in 2001 to succeed the extremely successful Preservation 2000 conservation program. Under Florida Forever and Preservation 2000, Florida has protected more than 2.4 million acres of land.
To name just a few successes, Florida Forever has protected:
53,600 acres of springs and springsheds.
5,190 acres of fragile coastline.
300,000 acres of sustainable forest lands.
158,700 acres of working agricultural lands.
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Breaking News: Florida Forever in Governor Crist’s Budget
Today, Governor Crist took a big step toward doing what citizens, local governments, four former governors and newspaper editors statewide have been urging, keep Florida Forever alive. Florida Forever, the state’s premier land conservation program, has been included in Governor Crist’s environmental budget. See details in the Governor’s press release below:
ROOKERY BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE – Governor Charlie Crist
today announced his $2.1-billion 2010-11 budget recommendations to safeguard Florida’s natural
resources. Highlighting projects that will secure Florida’s economic future, the Governor proposed
investments in the Florida Forever land conservation program, renewable energy, water supply,
Everglades restoration, and state park improvements.
“Florida’s present and future economy depends on the stewardship of our natural resources
and our continued efforts to set aside land for water resource protection, recreation and the
enjoyment of Floridians and visitors to the Sunshine State,” Governor Crist said. “As we continue
restoring America’s Everglades and investing in renewable energy, Floridians will gain a cleaner and
safer environment that will endure for generations to come.”
Governor Crist unveiled his environmental budget priorities while visiting the Rookery Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve in Collier County. Along with Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole, Governor Crist announced the following items:
• Florida Forever – Since 1963, Florida has committed more than $7.5 billion to
preserve and conserve roughly 3.8 million acres of land. However, the program was
temporarily halted last year due to economic challenges. This year, Governor Crist revives
Florida Forever by recommending $50 million to continue the preservation of Florida’s
unique natural resources and wildlife.
Click here to read the entire press release.
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Florida Forever Stories"The Florida Trail winds gently through the state from the Alabama pines to Everglades cypress and sawgrass. It is a footpath that brings tourist dollars to small towns, good health and recreation opportunities, an education about the Florida’s natural and cultural heritage, and conservation linkages for Florida wildlife.
The Florida Trail, recognized in Florida Statutes as “Florida’s statewide non-motorized trail," was designated by Congress as the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) and is one of only eight national scenic trails in the Nation.
The Florida Trail is an endangered trail. While much of the Florida Trail is on the ground, there are significant gaps to be closed. Florida Forever is the single best source of funding for the closing the gaps in the Florida Trail. In fact, Florida’s success in closing gaps in the Florida Trail using Florida Forever/P2000 was a primary reason why Congress appropriated $15.7 million for land acquisition for the Trail. Since 2000, Florida funded acquisitions by the state or water management districts has resulted in approximately 74 miles of trail and Federal acquisitions have added another 21+ miles.
With the slowdown in Florida’s real estate market comes a unique opportunity to acquire critically needed conservation lands, many of which will help close gaps in the Florida Trail. Gaps which otherwise would become permanent when growth and development rebounds.
-Florida Trail Association |
