Resolution Authorizing a Statewide Celebration

State Of Florida Resolution

Whereas, in 1990, the Florida Legislature enacted the Preservation 2000 program to protect

 environmentally endangered lands, water resources, fish and wildlife habitat, upland forests, recreational lands, historical resources, and open spaces; and

Whereas, the agencies implementing Preservation 2000 have done an exemplary job of protecting Florida’s large ecological systems and other vital

 resources, making Preservation 2000 one of the most important tools for establishing our state’s ecosystem management initiative; and
 

Whereas, Preservation 2000 has enhanced eco-tourism, expanded recreational opportunities and brought new economic growth in areas where the natural amenities have been protected; and

Whereas, Preservation 2000 has promoted partnerships among government agencies and private organizations; and

Whereas, land acquisitions have preserved conservation and recreation lands by preserving important ecological corridors and greenways, protecting the quality and quantity of Florida’s water supplies, saving important hunting and fishing habitats, expanding state parks and state forest land, preserving Florida’s historical sites, and helping local governments preserve environmentally significant lands and urban green space; and

Whereas, as we prepare to cross the bridge to the next millennium, Preservation 2000 guarantees that future generations will be able to experience the original Florida and will gain a rare opportunity to capture the past and to secure our children’s future; and

Whereas, it is only fitting that the citizens of Florida be aware of this historical accomplishment and celebrate the one millionth acre of land purchased under the Preservation 2000 program.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, by the Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund;

That the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is hereby directed and authorized to lead and coordinate a statewide celebration recognizing the one millionth acre of land purchased under the Preservation 2000 program; and

That the statewide celebration should include all of the governmental and nongovernmental organizations that have been involved with the Preservation 2000 program; and

That all citizens be invited to join in the celebration of this great gift to our children of the next millenium.

In Testimony Whereof, the Governor and Cabinet sitting as representatives of the State of Florida Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 10th day of March, 1998.