Residents encouraged to make a commitment to themselves to “Get Outside!” more often
This September the Southwest Florida Water Management District is launching its new “Get Outside!” campaign and revised Recreation Guide to promote the recreational opportunities available to the public on District-owned lands.
The District and its partners have acquired more than 436,000 acres of conservation lands primarily through the state’s land acquisition programs to protect the 16-county region’s water resources. More than 343,000 acres of this land is open for public recreation. Many of these lands are maintained directly by the District and offer a more natural experience, while some of these properties are managed as county and state parks and offer a broader range of amenities.
“Whether you want an off-road hiking adventure in the Green Swamp or a leisurely stroll down a paved trail at Flatwoods Park, we offer something for everyone” said Will Miller, District land use and protection manager. “We want everyone to know about all of the great activities these lands have to offer.”
The majority of the District’s lands that are open for public recreation offer free parking and admission. Some of the outdoor activities available include hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, paddling, camping, picnicking, hunting and nature study.
The “Get Outside!” campaign was developed based on District research. People who frequently use District lands for recreation as well as the general public were surveyed about public lands. The key findings
showed that people want to get outside more often. They want to walk or hike and they prefer to do these activities with their friends and family. In addition, the research also showed that people’s highest priorities when enjoying the outdoors are location and access, and the largest barrier is lack of time. Most respondents said they enjoyed just being outside and wanted to be able to easily enjoy the outdoors on the spur of the moment with very little planning.
Since the survey was conducted, the District has been working to make the District’s lands more inviting. Some of the improvements that have been made include standardized property entrance signs as well as new or improved picnic areas, restrooms, kiosks and informational signs.
In addition, the District is also releasing the 2009 edition of the District’s Recreation Guide. The 156-page guide features more than 50 properties owned by the District and includes detailed descriptions and a map for each property. The guides are free to all residents living in the District’s 16-county area. They will be available starting September 26 in honor of National Public Lands Day, which promotes volunteerism on public lands.
As part of the campaign, the District is also hosting three community events to showcase District lands with the hope that those attending come back with family and friends to enjoy them on their own. The events will be held at Starkey Wilderness Preserve’s Serenova Tract in Pasco County on Nov. 7; the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve’s Hampton Tract in Polk County on Feb. 27, 2010; and Deep Creek in DeSoto County on April 10, 2010.
“Our goal is to encourage people to visit the unique District properties right in their own backyard,” said Beth Putnam, District communications manager. “These properties provide a fun and inexpensive place to spend time with family and friends and enjoy nature.”
To order a free Recreation Guide or to find out more about District lands and upcoming events visit the District’s web site www.WaterMatters.org/recreation.
District Land Facts
The District and its partners have acquired more than 436,000 acres of conservation land to protect the 16-county region’s water resources. More than 343,000 acres are open to the public for a variety of recreational activities. The remaining land is in private ownership but is protected through conservation easements.
Many of these lands are maintained directly by the District and offer a more natural experience, while some of these properties are managed as county and state parks and offer a broader range of amenities.
The majority of the District’s lands that are open for public recreation offer free parking and admission.
There are more than 50 District properties open to the public. There is at least one property located in 14 of the District’s 16 counties.
Each year about 2.5 million people visit District lands.
Some of the recreational activities available include hiking, bicycling, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, paddling, camping, picnicking and nature study.
All of the lands are accessible by foot. Some require a reservation to access additional amenities by car, including campsites and facilities accessible to the disabled. Free reservations are available on the District’s web site at WaterMatters.org/recreation.
When exploring District lands, remember to bring a water bottle, sunscreen and hat, bug spray, a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers, your cell phone and a map (available in the District’s Recreation Guide or at WaterMatters.org/recreation.)
Each year volunteers contribute thousands of hours improving the District’s many recreational trails and campgrounds and assisting with Tampa Bay restoration projects.
To learn more about volunteering on District lands please visit www.WaterMatters.org/recreation/volunteer or call 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4470 or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470.