Post by L Roebuck on Oct 9, 2006 9:12:39 GMT -5
Governor, Cabinet Approve State Park Expansion
--Acquisition will add more than 480 acres to Peacock Springs State Park--
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today voted to expand Florida’s award-winning state park system by approving an addition to Peacock Springs State Park. Today’s vote will add approximately 481 acres to the 277 acre park in Suwannee County managed by the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service.
“This purchase will more than double the size of Peacock Springs State Park in north Florida, protecting an extensive underwater cave system for divers to enjoy,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Through programs such as the Florida Springs Initiative, we are increasing protection for the state’s more than 700 freshwater springs that provide a variety of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors.”
Peacock Springs State Park includes two major springs, a spring run and six sinkholes - all in near pristine condition. The park is home to one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States. Approximately 28,000 feet of underwater passages have been explored and surveyed by cave divers, including the property approved for purchase today. The springs and cave system attract local, national and international visitors for scuba and cave diving. The park also provides areas for picnicking and grilling, and includes hiking trails with signs that describe the underwater cave system beneath visitors’ feet.
Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 159 parks spanning more than 725,000 acres and more than 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
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.
The Florida Springs Initiative, established by Governor Jeb Bush in 2001, is the first comprehensive, coordinated plan to restore and protect Florida’s more than 700 freshwater springs. Last year the Florida Springs Initiative set aside more than $300,000 to protect spring ecosystems, water quality and flow within Florida’s award-winning state park system.
For more information on the Florida Forever program, visit www.FloridaForever.org. For information on Florida State Parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
Press Release
--Acquisition will add more than 480 acres to Peacock Springs State Park--
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today voted to expand Florida’s award-winning state park system by approving an addition to Peacock Springs State Park. Today’s vote will add approximately 481 acres to the 277 acre park in Suwannee County managed by the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service.
“This purchase will more than double the size of Peacock Springs State Park in north Florida, protecting an extensive underwater cave system for divers to enjoy,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Through programs such as the Florida Springs Initiative, we are increasing protection for the state’s more than 700 freshwater springs that provide a variety of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors.”
Peacock Springs State Park includes two major springs, a spring run and six sinkholes - all in near pristine condition. The park is home to one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States. Approximately 28,000 feet of underwater passages have been explored and surveyed by cave divers, including the property approved for purchase today. The springs and cave system attract local, national and international visitors for scuba and cave diving. The park also provides areas for picnicking and grilling, and includes hiking trails with signs that describe the underwater cave system beneath visitors’ feet.
Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 159 parks spanning more than 725,000 acres and more than 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
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.
The Florida Springs Initiative, established by Governor Jeb Bush in 2001, is the first comprehensive, coordinated plan to restore and protect Florida’s more than 700 freshwater springs. Last year the Florida Springs Initiative set aside more than $300,000 to protect spring ecosystems, water quality and flow within Florida’s award-winning state park system.
For more information on the Florida Forever program, visit www.FloridaForever.org. For information on Florida State Parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
Press Release