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History of Greenways in FloridaFor nearly 90 years, public and private land mangers have been stewards of FloridaÆs natural heritage through land and resource management, land acquisition, environmental regulation and planning. This stewardship has resulted in conservation of existing natural and cultural area hubs and linkages comprising the Florida Greenway System. Since 1908 with the creation of the Ocala National Forest as the first national forest east of the Mississippi River, public agencies have greatly increased their public land holdings and management capabilities. In response to the public's growing environmental awareness and demand for conservation lands beginning in the 1960's, the federal and state governments created many land acquisition, planning and regulatory programs which have helped Florida conserve its natural and cultural heritage. These programs lead to significant increases in the amount of public lands throughout the state, improvement of air and water quality, and management of growth and development. The state also created the Florida Recreational Trails System to promote public enjoyment of Florida's public lands through trails and initiated a program to convert abandoned railroads into recreational trails. The Florida Recreational Trails Council was established to advise the Department of Natural Resources (now the Department of Environmental Protection) on trail management issues and trail acquisition. In 1983 at the prompting of the Florida Trail Association, the U.S. Congress created the Florida National Scenic Trail which will stretch 1,300 miles the length of Florida when complete. In the 1990's, Florida greatly enhanced its ability to protect its remaining endangered and environmentally sensitive lands. It created the Preservation 2000 program allowing the state to spend $3 billion over a ten year period to acquire land. To date, Preservation 2000 has funded the acquisition of over 800,000 acres of land critical to the Florida Greenways System, and 2.7 million acres are proposed for acquisition. Twenty-one local governments have also dedicated nearly $700 million for their conservation land acquisition efforts. In addition, dozens of greenways and trails project initiatives throughout the state have been spurred through funding from Transportation Enhancements Program of the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. In 1987 the federal government deauthorized the Cross Florida Barge Canal (CFBC) project. The project was officially deauthorized in 1991 by the State of Florida and became known as the Cross Florida Greenways State Recreation and Conservation Area. In 1993, Governor Lawton Chiles created the 40 member Florida Greenways Commission to develop recommendations for protecting, enhancing and managing a statewide system of greenways through coordinated public and private efforts. During the 1995 Session, the Florida Legislature acted upon two primary recommendations of the Commission by creating the Florida Greenways Coordinating Council (Council) to assume the role of coordinating, educating, and providing leadership for greenway efforts, and by naming the DEP as the lead-agency to create the statewide system of greenways. The Council and the DEP are working together to: prepare a Five-year Florida Greenways System Implementation Plan; develop benchmarks to measure implementation performance; prepare a report to the Governor and Legislature recommending actions necessary to manage the Florida Greenways System; and create partnerships between government agencies and the private sector to develop and implement the statewide system of greenways. A Greenway is...(Creating a Statewide Greenways System...For People...for Wildlife...for Florida, Florida Greenways Commission Report to the Governor, December 1994) Greenways come in various shapes and sizes. They include abandoned railroad corridors converted into multiple-use recreational trails, winding paddling trails that follow rivers or shorelines, large-scale natural areas, and even bicycle paths in urban areas. Greenways can be publicly or privately owned and maintained. Greenways can be established on private land by easements or other landowner agreements to allow public access along trails, protect ecosystems and processes or preserve cultural and historic sites. Greenways are Important Because They...
Greenways can serve as alternative transportation routes for commuting to work, school, neighborhood businesses, restaurants, and recreation areas. Alternative forms of transportation can help reduce air pollution, road congestion, and energy consumption. They are economical and healthy for your community! Greenways can also be used to protect working landscapes such as farms, groves, and private forest lands. Scenic highways can provide travelers a glimpse into the historic nature of working landscapes throughout the state. Conservation easements across these lands can allow traditional land uses to continue while providing corridors for people and habitat for native wildlife. The urban open spaces, working landscapes, historical sites, and cultural resources are critical to linking and providing buffers for environmentally important areas. The Three Components of A Greenway System...HUBS...anchor the system and provide an origin or destination for people and wildlife. Urbanized areas or ôurban hubsö play an important role for recreational greenways. Overnight accommodations, restaurants, rental facilities for bicycles, in-line skates and other recreational needs can be found in urban hubs. ôEcological hubsö are large natural areas like sate and national parks, that provide habitat for native wildlife and help maintain natural ecological processes. In addition, they provide a chance for humans to enjoy and learn about the natural environment. An example of an urban hubö in central Florida would be the greater Orlando metropolitan area while the Wekiva basin just north of Orlando would be considered an "ecological"hubö. LINKS...connect the greenway system together and allow movement from one hub to another. Links range in size and function from large natural linkages for wildlife to smaller conservation corridors for landscape processes (such as water movement and fire) and recreational trails. The Withlacoochee Trail is a recreational ôlinkö from the Withlacoochee Forest to the Cross Florida Greenway. SITES...are smaller features that serve as points of origin or destination but are not always linked with hubs or with eachother. They include points of interest along or adjacent to greenways such as historic battlefields, community parks, biological and geological sites, trail depots, and unique structures. One popular ôsiteö Trail is the San Marcos de Apalache State Historic Site where trail users can tour the site of the first for built at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers in 1679. Using the three components of a greenway system, the next step is to utilize the appropriate elements from this list to ensure success. Key Elements for Successful Greenways...
Identifying Your Greenway...Types of Greenways: Greenways Provide Connections: Greenways Cross Lands of Different Ownership: Greenways are Maintained: Planning your greenway...Greenways provide excellent opportunities for conservation and recreation groups, public agencies, landowners, companies, and dedicated individuals to work together on community projects. Partnerships are critical to the success of any greenway project. Private/public partnerships can be formed at the local level where different parties sharing a common interest can join together to plan and manage the greenway. Actions at the state and regional levels provide the ecological and recreational, cultural and historic building blocks for the Florida Greenways System; however, greenways created at the local level provide the critical links that enable the statewide system to function. It is community pride and the desire to improve quality of life that encourages people to preserve urban greenspaces, restore river floodplains, link community parks, and become active in greenway initiatives. Successful greenways are almost always the result of strong partnerships between governmental agencies, private organizations and individuals. Individuals and private organizations can act as essential catalysts, for greenway projects, generating public support and using creative ways to raise funds,. Elected officials and agency employees offer professional expertise and bring as variety of tools and techniques to the table. Don't overlook the local planning process. It can work to your advantage when planning your project. Local governments are required to complete a "growth management plan" for their area. Issues that must be addressed in comprehensive plans include capital improvements, future land use, natural resource conservation, recreation and open space, coastal management, drainage, potable water and natural ground water recharge, intergovernmental coordination, housing, sanitary sewer, and solid waste. For greenway planning, this means that comprehensive plans can:
Include your local government representatives in the greenway effort work with your local planning department to determine where greenway opportunities could be provided for in the comprehensive planning process. Need Help Planning Your Greenway? - The DEP, Office of Greenways and Trails provides technical assistance for community groups and local governments. As the statewide agency for greenways and trails, the office provides staff support to the Florida Recreational Trails Council, the Florida Greenways Coordinating Council, and the six regional greenways task forces located in each DEP district. The office can provide information on greenway projects throughout the state. - The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service provides assistance to local governments and organizations, as well as state and federal agencies, to plan greenways, protect rivers, develop trails, conserve their character of the landscape, and help groups achieve their conservation and recreation goals. - The Conservation Fund's American Greenways Program is a national non-profit program devoted to all aspects of planning and implementing greenways and greenways systems. The organization has published a number of books on greenways and can be contacted for information on numerous greenway planning topics including the initiation of community greenways activities and the economic benefits of greenways. The organization also has a tremendous amount of in-house information on statewide, regional and community-based greenway initiatives across the country that may be useful in planning your local project. - The Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is an organization devoted to converting abandoned railroad lines into multi-use trails for public use. RTC is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with citizen groups, public agencies, railroad companies and other organizations carrying out a program of technical assistance, public education and advocacy. - The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national, non-profit conservation organization that protects land for people. TPL's Conservation Services Program is a full-service greenway and scenic assessment program that offers technical assistance, public education and outreach, community organizing, and acquisition expertise to local governments, land trusts, citizen groups, private landowners and public agencies. TPL also assists local governments with the financing of natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources through programs such as Lease/Purchase, Buy and Hold and Phased Acquisition. - National and statewide non-profit organizations such The Nature Conservancy and the National Audubon Society have their own preserves and sanctuaries to protect significant habitat areas. Local land trusts also effectively conserve community natural resource lands. These groups can help your community plan your greenway network. - The Department of State, Division of Historical Resources maintains the Florida Master Site File. This is a record of known historical, archaeological and architectural sites in Florida. The database can help the state and greenway advocates make educated decisions regarding acquisition, preservation, restoration and protection. Planning Tips: - Involve a broad spectrum of the community in the planning process including recreational user groups, elected officials, the local planning department, adjacent property owners, and managers of the greenway. - Establish a well-stated, easy to understand greenway vision. - Promote all of the benefits of the greenway including neighborhood revitalization, nature- based tourism opportunities, increased property values, natural resource protection, and other economic gains. - Determine how the proposed greenway may change the community. Consider community character, linking neighborhoods to schools, shopping and employment opportunities, creation of economic opportunities, improvements in the quality of life for residents, aesthetic improvements to attract tourists, and providing additional educational opportunities. - Network with national, state and local trail/greenway advocates to learn about other successful projects. - Do not ignore the public's concerns. Address issues such as private landowner liability, trespassing, illegal dumping, property damage, future development plans, road construction projects, loss of privacy, criminal activity, maintenance, and political opposition. Overcome obstacles through compensation, incentives, education and proper trail management. - Plan greenway events to coincide with other events such as fairs, festivals, celebrations, recreational events, cleanups, and dedications. - Offer field trips of the greenway where people can enjoy recreational activities, observe wildlife, help build and maintain trails, and perform cleanups. - Get the media involved by inviting them to trail and greenway events as much as possible. - Foster the involvement of development, business, agriculture, mining, and forestry interests. These large landowners may become influential proponents of the greenway. - Educate representatives of linear facilities (cable, telephone, power, etc.) about the potential recreational and ecological benefits of trails. Their involvement should be encouraged. - Get people excited about your project at public meetings, workshops, events, community service organizations, and chamber of commerce meetings. Videos and slide shows can be borrowed from the Office of Greenways and Trails for use at presentations. A representative from the office may be available to come to your area to share with your group experience from similar greenway projects around the state. - Build on exiting efforts such as environmental protection, road projects, alternative transportation and scenic byway initiatives, historical research, outdoor recreation, heritage and nature-based tourism. - Get schools involved by having students develop and implement educational programs on the greenway that will promote awareness and appreciation of natural resources. - Show pride in your greenway by applying for awards through organizations such as 1000 Friends of Florida, Florida Recreation and Park Association, Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, Keep Florida Beautiful, The Conservation FundÆs American Greenways Program, American Society of Landscape Architects, American Institute of Architects and the Take Pride in America Program. - Publish and distribute brochures, newsletters, fact sheets, hotlines, posters, bumper stickers, decals, calendars, and work with other organizations to publish greenway articles in their newsletters. - Develop or update displays or exhibits. - Create a home page on the World Wide Web with a link to DEP's Office of Greenways and Trails greenway home page. Gathering Information: Start planning your project by gathering together as much information on the project site as possible. The following resources may be helpful: GEOLOGY ...publications of the Florida Geologic Survey, the U.S. Geological Survey. TOPOGRAPHY...U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 Minute Series topographic maps, maps of the water management district, or local government agency responsible for managing stormwater. SOILS...soil Survey of the county available from the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service) WATER...U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 Minute Series topographic maps, and county soil surveys available from the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS...aerial photographs available from the Florida Department of Transportation or local highway departments. VEGETATION...literature describing the ecology of the area available from the Florida Natural Areas inventory, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish CommissionÆs Closing the Gaps in FloridaÆs Wildlife Habitat Conservation System (1994) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. CULTURAL AND HISTORIC FEATURES...literature describing the history of the area, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, National Park Service and the Florida Master Site File at the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, private historical and cultural interest groups, and the local historical society. ACCESS...maps available from the state department of transportation and county property appraiser's office. TRANSPORTATION AND LINEAR FACILITIES...plans from local and state departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations, and utilities. JURISDICTIONAL...local, regional, and state governmental agencies and those involved in funding, acquisition, planning, development, and management. POLITICAL...from public officials (elected and staff) and the special interest groups. LAWS, REGULATIONS AND PROGRAMS...government officials guidance concerning: wetlands, protecting water and air quality, access for those with disabilities, protection of species and habitats, public safety, land use, stormwater, and public participation. FISCAL RESOURCES...budget documents and reports from government agencies (tailor proposals for funding to fit the special requirements of each funding program). LAND USE...documents, reports and maps from local planning department. OWNERSHIP...real estate platbooks from the local property appraiserÆs office in the county courthouse. COMMUNITY EVENTS AND FESTIVALS...prepared schedules from community organizations (determine how the proposed greenway can tie into local state and regional events and festivals, folk or historic festivals, regular historical reenactments, and recurring civic celebrations and anniversaries) Designing and Developing Your Greenway...Design criteria, management guidelines and critical thresholds for native ecosystems, landscapes and human use should be established to assist in the management of the greenway and its facilities and to avoid ecological degradation. A greenway's design should be based on the best scientific information about corridor requirements for native species. The size and design of the greenway will generally determine what plants and animals can utilize it. Connections should be based on detailed assessments of potential sites and surrounding features as well as current resource conservation and recreation principles. Also, cultural/historic and recreational greenways must be planned based on a careful documentation of the cultural and historic features to be protected and the recreational needs to be met. Design Tips: - Design the greenway so it is enjoyable to use and highlight its unique or special features while protecting the underlying natural resources. - Adhere to design standards for quality and accessibility established by the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Americans with Disabilities Act's Accessibility Guidelines. - Identify connections that tie the greenway into the community. - Try to accommodate the existing ownerships, uses, and economic functions of the adjacent properties. - Use experienced and qualified consultants and advisors. - Allow the appropriate number of crossings to minimize conflicts with adjacent properties and to control public access. - Sponsor workshops with local builders and developers to promote compatible site planning, design and landscaping for residential, commercial and industrial development adjacent to greenways. Ask residential developers to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian trails within large developments and to link their greenway and trail systems to the community project. - Limit liability by designing the greenway with user safety in mind. - Be cost conscious of acquisition and development costs to maximize chances of approval. Need Help Designing Your Greenway? Since 1980, the Florida Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bicycle and Pedestrian Program has aggressively promoted the adequate provision, design and use of bicycle and pedestrian facilities through technical assistance, workshops and publications. The program offers assistance through its statewide network of bicycle and pedestrian coordinators found in DOT's Tallahassee and eight District offices and in the Metropolitan Planning Organizations of Florida's more urbanized counties. The Florida Department of Transportation has developed guidelines for the construction of bicycle lanes, paved shoulders, wide curb lanes, and paved, multiple-use trails. These guidelines are provided in the Florida Bicycle Facilities Planning and Design Manual. This can be obtained by writing to DOT Pedestrian/Bicycle Program, 605 Suwannee Street, MS 82, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450. Standards have also been established by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials [(AASHTO) 444 No. Capitol Street NW, Suite 225, Washington, DC 20001] and in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices [(MUTCD) U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402]. The DEP, Office of Greenways and Trails, in conjunction with its advisory group the Florida Recreational Trails Council, has established minimum standards and design criteria for non-motorized uses such as hiking, jogging, bicycling, equestrian, paddling, and multiple-use trails in Florida. A copy of these standards can be obtained by writing the Office of Greenways and Trails at 325 John Knox Road, Building 500, Tallahassee, Florida 32303-4124. The department encourages the use of these guidelines for consistency in the Florida Greenways and Trail System. Funding Your Greenway...Land Acquisition: Fee simple acquisition is a common form of property acquisition for public conservation lands because of resource protection and public use objectives. However, land for greenways can also be acquired through exchange, donations, and dedications as part of development approvals. "Less-than-fee-simple" options are also available for greenway advocates. Some examples include conservation easements, dedications on plats, restrictions on deeds, limited development agreements such as limited partnerships, purchase of development rights, acquisition of licenses (handshake agreements) and leases (contracts) to use land. Examine the needs of the community and determine whether acquisition is necessary or whether other arrangements will be sufficient. Although Preservation 2000 is the primary funding source for the State of Florida's land acquisition programs, other trust fund monies are included in makeup of several of these programs. Preservation 2000 was enacted in 1990 and designed to raise $3 billion over ten years. Funding for this program will end in the year 2000. The Legislature annually authorizes the sale of documentary stamp bonds to fund the purchase of conservation lands. Preservation 2000 has funded the preservation of over 820,000 acres of land including greenways, river floodplains, beaches, springs, forest and scrub lands, marshes and other pieces of natural Florida.
Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL): The CARL Program is administered by the Department
of Environmental Protection's Division of State Lands and is designed to protect large land
parcels which are of statewide or regional significance. Lands which may be acquired for
conservation purposes and lands which would provide non-consumptive outdoor recreation
opportunities are eligible through this program. Citizens or communities identifying large,
mostly natural tracts which are critical to a significant greenway in Florida may get further
information from the CARL office at (850) 487-1750.
Managing Your Greenway...A greenway that has been developed as a successful community project will have the support of the local government through with it runs. there are state and regional resources available to provide guidance for protecting the newly-found resource. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Services of the University of Florida, through the Cooperative Extension Service staff in county offices and at the University of Florida and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, provide a wide variety of technical publications, workshops, direct contact with landowners, public broadcasting notices, demonstrations, and television specials concerning health, economics and plant and animal management. They can be reached at the University of Florida, (352) 392-1761 or Florida A&M University, (850) 599-3546. The Natural Resources Conservation Service assists landowners in developing management plans for their lands and using best management practices to conserve soil, water quality and other natural resources. Contact the NRCS at (202) 720-5420. The DEP, Office of Greenways and Trails, as well as water management districts, can provide technical assistance in the development of management plans. Management plans can assure that the property will be properly cared for after the greenway is developed. The Farm Service Agency (formerly the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service) and the Rural Development Office (formerly Farmers Home Administration) offer planning and management technical assistance to communities fostering sustainable development. Call the main office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service at (352) 338-9503, or call your local district office, listed in the blue pages, for further information. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Wildlife/Private Lands Initiative Program provides technical assistance and other incentives for private lands habitat protection, restoration, management of wetland-dependent fish, and wildlife resources. For more information contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serve, 75 Spring Street, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, (404) 679-7319. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission also provide technical assistance emphasizing water and vegetation management to restore wetlands. On farmland, assistance focuses on developing water and vegetation management plans compatible with other farm operations. The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission provides wildlife management and habitat protection assistance to private landowners through its five regional offices: South: (941) 648-3200 Lake City: (904) 758-0525 West Palm Beach: (561) 640-6100 Ocala: (352) 732-1225 Panama City: (850) 265-3676 The Cooperative Forestry Assistance Programs of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service's Division of Forestry provide assistance with land owners to improve silviculture management practices and encourage natural resource conservation. County foresters through Rural Forestry Assistance Program offer technical assistance to landowners to help protect, maintain, enhance, restore and preserve forests and wildlife on private lands. For further information call (850) 414-9912. Management Tips: - Create a "Friends of the Greenway" group to help the managing agency in the maintenance and promotion of the greenway. A membership organization can raise funds, recruit volunteers and strengthen the political clout behind the effort. Be sure to include the manger, greenway users, neighbors and other advocates. - Start planning the extension of or linkages to the greenway. from: Florida Greenways û Creating a Statewide Greenways SystemFLORIDA GREENWAYSThe following is summarized from the Florida Greenways Commission Report to the Governor, Florida Greenways û Creating a Statewide Greenways System, of December 15, 1994. The Florida Greenway Commission was established in 1993 under the governorship of Lawton Chiles and was an outgrowth of the Florida Greenways Project of 1991. Because of its commitment to conservation and its landmark growth management and acquisition plans, Florida was chosen by The Conservation Fund for a statewide greenways planning effort. The goal of The Florida Greenways Project was to create a statewide "green infrastructure" in which natural areas, both terrestrial and aquatic, could be linked in a network which would be accessible to people as well. The project was intended to support the conservation of Florida's natural ecosystems in the following ways: "to better protect and manage Florida's biodiversity and water resources", "to forge better links between Floridians and natural Florida", and "as a result develop more widespread popular support for natural resource conservation." By creating a statewide system of greenways, the fragmentation of habitats will be reduced, and this will aid plant and animal species and communities to maintain or return to a more viable state. There are many kinds of greenways existing and proposed by the Greenways Commission, ranging from those in pristine natural areas to those in densely populated urban areas. In the Greenways report, seven different types are listed, and examples of each are listed in parentheses: 1. Landscape linkages, which are very large scale areas, which can serve not only as connecting corridors between large parks, refuges, or forests, but are large enough to serve as habitat as well. These may also contain historical or archaeologically important sites, and be used as recreation sites as well. (Pinhook Swamp, which connects the Okenefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia with the Osceola National Forest in Florida) 2. Conservation corridors, which are smaller than landscape linkages, but serve as corridors for flora and fauna, and may also be used as sites for resource-based recreation. (The Upper Hillsboro River) 3. Greenbelts, which are large natural or agricultural areas, surrounding towns or cities, and which preserve agriculture while containing urban growth. (Greenbelt planned to surround Lakeland) 4. Recreational corridors, which are sites of moderate to heavy recreational use for residents and tourists. (The Pinellas Trail) 5. Scenic corridors, which are corridors of land, often roads, which are protected for scenic or aesthetic qualities. (The Old St. Augustine Road in Leon and Jefferson counties) 6. Utilitarian corridors, which are corridors established or used for things such as powerlines, pipelines, and rights-of-way, but which may also function as natural corridors or recreational sites as well. 7. Trails, which are designated routes connecting natural, historic, or recreational sites, and which exist in the context of the landscape. (The Florida Trail) All of these types of greenways are described in the Florida Greenways Commission Report of December 15, 1994. Important criteria for the selection of greenway locations in Florida is the location of ecological "hotspots" for endangered species, and areas of underutilized habitats. In making these selections, two approaches, known as "fine filter" approach and a "coarse filter" approach which combine to select a system which will support the greatest level of native biodiversity. A "fine filter" approach to conservation is one aimed at protecting a particular endangered or threatened species, such as the Florida panther or the Florid Scrub Jay. A "coarse filter" approach is one aimed at preserving an entire ecosystem or community. In creating a statewide greenway system, the Florida Greenways Commission has identified key factors which were used to select good greenway sites. The first key factor is that the system must include areas which represent all of the native ecosystems of Florida, and provide enough space that natural ecological processes may occur effectively, and that animal and plant species may increase or be maintained in viable populations. Second, it is important to insure for the genetic variability of plants and animals, so that there is more flexibility for species to adjust to changes which might otherwise threaten their survival. Third, the greenway system must be large enough that in cases of large-scale natural events such as hurricanes, floods, and fires, their effects may be dissipated effectively, by the healthy operating of ecological processes such as the buffering effects that wetlands provide during floods and even droughts. Fourth, in the event of natural catastrophes such as these, the system must be large enough to allow for natural succession and evolution to take place, such as in the recovery of a coastal ecosystem after the damaging effects of a hurricane. And finally, the Commission recognizes that in protecting an area of land within the greenway system, features that are not apparent, because they are under the surface of the land, including archaeological and geological features, will be protected as well. The goal of the Commission is to protect all of Florida's eighty-one types of ecological communities and its 600 species of vertebrates and fresh water species (115 are endemic to Florida), and 3,500 species of vascular plants (about 300 are endemic to Florida). Six strategies were developed by the Florida Greenways Commission which are aimed at preserving the greatest biodiversity possible, and in the Greenways report, each is described in detail, with specific recommendations outlined. These are the six major strategies: A. To identify and conserve an integrated, statewide system of greenways that encompasses the full range of Florida's native ecosystems and landscapes. B. To utilize Florida's rivers, springs, lakes, and other inland and coastal aquatic features as strategic building blocks in the statewide greenways system. C. To link regional landscapes through Florida's system of greenways, including lands ranging from native ecosystems that are publicly owned to highly managed forestry and agricultural properties that are privately owned. D. To utilize the best information available about the requirements of Florida's native ecosystems and landscapes to plan and manage the statewide system of greenways. E. Address native ecosystem conservation/human use compatibility issues by developing minimum greenway design and management guidelines. F. To undertake and/or support the research and monitoring efforts necessary to effectively plan and manage native ecosystems and landscapes within Florida's system of greenways (Greenways report, p. 56-64) Some segments of the Florida Greenway system were created years before this report was presented to the people of Florida, and many others are in the planning and development stages. The Cross Florida Greenway State Recreation and Conservation Area will incorporate ecologically important areas such as rivers, floodplains, lakes, wetlands, ridges, and uplands, and historic sites as well. It will stretch 110 miles across the entire state from the St. John's River to the Gulf of Mexico, varying from 300 yards to a mile in width. This corridor will contain many rare plants and animals and their communities within its 77,000 acres of protected lands. It will include the St. John's, Withlacoochee and Ocklawaha Rivers and several major springs, and utilize lands formerly designated as the route of the Cross Florida Barge Canal. The Integrated Habitat Network will form an important part of the west-central Florida greenways system. This area is unique in that it will incorporate large tracts of former phosphate mining lands, which will be restored and integrated into a system which includes less degraded habitats. This restored area will serve as a connector the very important ecosystems of the Cecil Webb Wildlife Management Area-Fishing Creek-Myakka River State Park area to the south, and the Green Swamp Withlacoochee River Area to the north. Also, this area covers approximately half of the watershed of the five major rivers which originate here: the Peace, Alafia, Manatee, Little Manatee, and Myakka Rivers. In the Gainesville area, two greenways have been created which connect encompass wetland, grassland, and upland ecosystems. The Gainesville-Hawthorne Rail-Trail links the city with Boulware Springs Park, Paynes Prairie Preserve, Prairie Creek, Newnan's Lake, and Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. The Hogtown Creek Greenway is a seven-mile corridor which covers wetlands, rivers, and streams, and their associated floodplain. Three major wetland systems in the northern part of the state will provide both habitat and linkage for many species of Florida's plants and wildlife. The Pinhook Swamp lies between the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, and the Osceola National Forest in north central Florida. This system is made up of many upland and wetland ecosystems. The Upper Suwannee River corridor connects the Okefenokee with the Gulf of Mexico, and forms a riparian corridor of 112 miles from Georgia through Florida. And to the east lies the St. Mary's River, completing this extensive wetland system. Together, these areas provide habitat for species including sandhill cranes, many wading birds, bobcat, beaver, and Florida black bear. The Hillsborough River Greenway is a corridor which has been proposed for the Hillsboro River area. The river provides 75% of Tampa's drinking water, and rapid development in this area is threatening the water quality in the river. Creating a greenway here which would provide wildlife habitat as well as recreational opportunities, and protection for this critical resource. West Lake Park and Preserve includes 1,100 acres of mangrove estuarine habitat in urbanized Broward county. 120 species of birds and 90 species of fish have been identified within the park, and West Lake has received the designation of an Outstanding Florida Water. In this park, mangroves are thriving in an urban setting, and much native habitat is being restored, aided by the removal of many Australian Pine trees, an exotic which had outcompeted native species. The Okeechobee Greenway has been proposed as a greenway through areas of hardwood hammock forest and home to many species, including the American Bald Eagle. It is proposed as a canopied road which will pass through the land surrounding Lake Okeechobee, and will be located numerous historic sites in the area. Check out Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails Greenway Information |
