"Florida Wetlands" via Seth in Google Reader

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Florida Forever Becomes Law

Florida Forever has been renewed through 2020.

Florida Senate bill 542 was signed into law Monday night, which renews the Florida Forever program's commitment to preserving natural lands in the state. Florida Forever is to receive $300 million a year for the acquisition of lands deemed as important ecological assets. The division of funds as now allocated by the state are as follows:

Department of Environmental Protection:

- Division of State Lands $105 Million

- Division of Recreation and Parks $4.5 million

- Rails to Trails $4.5 million

- Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program ( FRDAP ) $6 million

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission $4.5 million

Department of Community Affairs - Florida Communities Trust $66 million

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Forestry $4.5 million

Water Management Districts $105 million:

- Northwest Florida $7,875,000

- Suwannee River $7,875,000

- Southwest Florida $26,250,000

- St. Johns River $26,250,000

- South Florida $36,750,000

View the Current Florida Forever Land Acquisition Projects

This is an important step for the Florida Forever Program. Thank you to all who helped to ensure Florida will continue to preserve open natural spaces in our state.