Governor Crist to Receive "Champion of the Everglades" Award From Audubon of Florida

Press Release

GOVERNOR CRIST TO RECEIVE "CHAMPION OF THE EVERGLADES" AWARD FROM AUDUBON OF FLORIDA

~~ ~Touts Florida's land conservation efforts ~ ~~

Governor Charlie Crist today will address the Audubon of Florida Annual Assembly in Crystal River. The two-day workshop will focus on exploring the impact human activities are having on Florida's birds and their habitats.

"Tourism is Florida's number-one industry, with 85 million visitors arriving each year to enjoy all that the Sunshine State offers, which is why we must conserve Florida's natural places and resources," Governor Crist said. "It is important that we all do our part to protect Florida's natural environment for future generations."

David Anderson, executive director of Audubon of Florida, will present Governor Crist with the "Champion of the Everglades" Award for his leadership in encouraging the South Florida Water Management District to negotiate for the purchase of the United States Sugar Corporation. The negotiations have the potential to provide the "missing link" needed to provide for the cleaning, storing and moving of water through Everglades National Park to the Florida Bay.

During his remarks, Governor Crist is expected to commend Florida's Congressional delegation for working to include the continued implementation of the Modified Waters Deliveries system to National Everglades Park as part of the Continuing Resolution passed by Congress last month. He will recognize Congressman Bill Young for his continued leadership in ensuring federal funding for the Everglades.

"Obtaining federal funding for the Everglades is one of my top federal priorities. There is no project more important to the restoration of Everglades National Park than ensuring more natural water flow under Tamiami Trail," Governor Crist said. "Forward movement on this project has been eagerly anticipated for almost 20 years. I applaud our federal partners for moving forward with the Tamiami Trail modification."

Governor Crist also will thank Mayor Ronald Kitchen of Crystal River for his leadership in conserving nearby Three Sisters Springs. Last month, the Florida Communities Trust approved $6.3 million for acquisition of Three Sisters Springs, contingent upon appraisals for the property. The City of Crystal River has pledge $2.7 million toward the acquisition, and other partners in the project to protect this warm-water refuge for manatees include the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Felburn Foundation, Citrus County, the Friends of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, the Citrus County Tourist Development Council and numerous other groups and individuals. Former Representative Helen Spivey and Dr. Pat Rose with the Save the Manatee Club are also raising funds for the acquisition of the springs.

Highlights of Florida's Land Conservation Efforts

This year, Governor Crist signed legislation expanding for another decade Florida Forever, Florida's land conservation program and the largest conservation effort in the nation. Through Florida Forever, and its predecessor, Preservation 2000, Florida has invested $5 billion to place more than two million acres throughout the state in public ownership, conserving environmentally sensitive land, restoring water resources and preserving important cultural and historical sites.

In 2007, Governor Crist signed legislation that expands the restoration of the famed River of Grass to include Lake Okeechobee and the farthest northern reaches of the Everglades ecosystem, highlighting the connectivity of the entire ecosystem from the Kissimmee headwaters to the Florida Keys. This legislation requires the development of technical plans, schedules and provides dedicated funding to improve and protect the Northern Everglades, including Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee coastal estuaries. Also in 2007, the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund was extended for 10 years through 2020 and expands its purpose, underscoring Florida's commitment to Everglades restoration.

About Modified Water Deliveries

The Tamiami Trail Modification Project is part of the Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park Project (Mod Waters), whose purpose is to enhance the hydrologic regime in the East Everglades, Northeast Shark River Slough and Everglades National Park. Mod Waters was authorized by the Everglades National Park Protection and Expansion Act, enacted by Congress in 1989. Mod Waters is a foundation project that is critical to the successful restoration of the Everglades, as its completion is required before the implementation of portions of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. The bridging of Tamiami Trail, U.S. Highway 41, is the most critical component to completing Mod Waters and restoring water flow to the park.

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