October 3, 2001
Some of you may have been on the previous email list and have already received this. If so, please ignore this one.
SUPPORT NEEDED FOR BALD POINT STATE PARK LAND ADDITION!!
The State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of State Lands is considering the purchase of approximately 3000 acres adjoining Bald Point State Park in Franklin County. The tract includes substantial amounts of waterfront on both Ochlockonee Bay and on Alligator Harbor. It has one of the few remaining examples of sand pine forest in the area. If not purchased by the state, it will be targeted for development by the current owner, St. Joe Corporation.
Preservation of this area will protect the currently outstanding marine resources of the Ochlockonee Bay and Alligator Harbor. With much of its upper watershed already in public ownership, Ochlockonee Bay supports huge populations of white shrimp, endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, manatees, bald eagles, woodstorks, ibis and many other rare species. It is one of the best tarpon fishing areas in all of Florida. The beach at Bald Point is a major nesting area for horseshoe crabs, whose eggs are a critical food source for many species of shore birds. The sand pine forest ecosystem is one of the most endangered in all of Florida.
Park status will insure that the area remains as it is, while real estate development will almost certainly result in the loss of an ecological treasure. The evaluation process is currently underway. It is a highly competitive process and expressions of public support for the project are essential if it to be successful. Critical decisions are being made now.
PLEASE ACT NOW!
CONTACT
Secretary David Struhs
Dept of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850 488-1554
FAX 850 488-7093
EMAIL: david.struhs@dep.state.fl.us
GOVERNOR JEB BUSH
The Capital
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
850 488-4441
FAX 850 487-0801
Please call, fax or email them and tell them you support the acquisition and to please act promptly to save this critical Florida habitat!!
(If possible, send a fax as they are more likely to take notice of them. Also forward to anyone you feel may be of help)
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
