The Florida Greenways and Trails Council has agreed to include three Southwest Florida Water Management District properties in the state’s designated system of greenways and trails.
The properties include the 18,000-acre Starkey Wilderness Preserve in Pasco County, the 16,000-acre Lower Hillsborough Flood Detention Area in Hillsborough County and the 31-mile segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail that goes through the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.
The goal of the Florida Greenways and Trails Council is to create a statewide network of recreational trails. Being included in the state’s designated system means these properties and trails will be listed on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s web site and other printed materials as significant elements in reaching that goal. Inclusion in the system will also help the District raise awareness about the recreational opportunities on District-managed lands.
As part of the designation process, the District is required manage these lands and to preserve the natural and recreational values.
The District’s Governing Board Chair, Heidi McCree, represents the state’s water management districts on the Florida Greenways and Trails Council.