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Florida’s environmentalist hero gets her day
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Location: Blogs The Green Zone an environmental blog |
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| Posted by: Dave Rhea |
3/30/2007 8:48 AM |
As we wind up March, which is National Women’s History Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) recognized environmental guardian Marjorie Harris Carr. Carr laid the groundwork for what is today Florida’s golden era of nature conservancy through state acquisition for protection from development.
From FDEP: “Her tireless efforts towards environmental protection resulted in significant wildlife preservation and land conservation, including the Cross Florida Greenway and the Payne’s Prairie State Preserve.
“Carr’s most significant accomplishment was ending construction of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, a vast project crossing central Florida that threatened the area's ecosystem. She began raising awareness about the project in 1962, when it was first announced, and continued until the project was abandoned in 1971.
“In 1990, former President George H. Bush officially de-authorized the barge canal and created the Cross Florida Greenway State Recreation and Conservation Area. In 1996, Carr was inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame in recognition of her environmental stewardship.
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is a unique conservation and recreation project. Traversing Citrus, Levy, Marion and Putnam Counties, the 110-mile greenway occupies much of the land that was formerly the Cross Florida Barge Canal.
“’Marjorie Harris Carr was persistent and untiring in her efforts to protect Florida’s environment, working diligently for nearly 30 years to create the Cross Florida Greenway,’ said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. ‘National Women’s History Month gives us another opportunity to recognize her dedication to preserving the state’s natural resources for future generations.’
Florida’s premier greenway, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River, encompassing a variety of habitats and ecosystems and offering an array of trails and recreation areas for visitors.”
Florida has recently embarked on an aggressive land-buying program that puts lands in need of restoration into state ownership. The State recently bought 5000 acres that was positioned just above the already-ailing Silver Springs. The land was previously owned by Miami firm, Avatar Holdings Inc. and was granted “vested” development rights, allowing them to ignore recent regulations put upon developers in this highly fragile bit of watery heaven known as Marion county. Avatar planned tens of thousands of homes, strip malls and a golf course, - and in a bit of irony, it was going to be called “Ocala Springs.”
For more information about Florida’s land acquisition program, visit: FDEP lands site |
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