PALM BEACH –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (ERM) announced on Wednesday the completion of the restoration of the Breakers Reef, which was damaged in November 2008.

Damage to Breakers Reef, which is located a mile off of the coast of Palm Beach, was reported by scuba divers in November of 2008. The damage spanned nearly the entire length of two football fields, and included damage to tube and barrel sponges, as well as brain coral.

FWC and Palm Beach County ERM staff assessed the damage to the Breakers Reef in late November of 2008 and in December 2008 the CRCP selected West Palm Beach water resources and environmental engineering firm, Applied Technology & Management (ATM) to help restore the damage. The ATM team, led by Project Manager Bill Fay, assembled a team of qualified reef experts and recruited volunteers to assist in the restoration efforts.

“DEP is pleased to have partnered with FWC, Palm Beach County, Applied Technology & Management and volunteers to complete the restoration of the Breakers Reef,” said Jack Long, DEP Southeast District Director. “This reef is a vital resource which not only provides habitat for marine life, but also provides enjoyment for many tourists and residents in South Florida who enjoy diving there.”

Other agencies involved in providing support for the restoration effort included: the CRCP, Palm Beach County ERM, Tetra Tech Environmental Consultants, Inc., Callaway Marine Technologies, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Pinnacle Group environmental consultants.

“Applied Technology & Management is honored to have worked on a plan for the restoration of the Breakers Reef,” said Bill Fay, Project Manager for Applied Technology and Management. “Our volunteers and qualified reef experts, along with the partnership with DEP, Palm Beach County ERM, FWC and collaboration with the private sector made this project a wonderful environmental success.”

Restoration activities were completed in February, and included repairing 120 of the damaged hard corals, which range in size from 10 inches to more than three feet in diameter. The restoration team also reattached soft corals such as sea fans and sea whips.

“Although this was an unfortunate event, a restoration effort has been performed that promises the best possible outcome,” said Erin McDevitt, Southeast Region Habitat Coordinator with the FWC. “The reattached hard corals have an excellent chance of recovery. The list of volunteers that participated in this effort is extensive and it is encouraging to see the progress that can be made when private industry, government agencies and non-profit organizations work together.”

The Department’s CRCP, the newest program of the DEP’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA), was established in 2004. CAMA also manages three National Estuarine Research Reserves in the state, 41 aquatic preserves and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. CAMA’s programs and activities are designed to help Floridians better understand and conserve the state’s resources through research, education and preservation.

For more information on DEP’s Coral Reef Conservation Program and the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral/.

For more information on DEP’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal.

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet, on Tuesday honored Park Biologist Charles DuToit of the Tomoka Basin State Parks as the 2008 Florida Department of Environmental Protection Jim Stevenson Resource Manager of the Year. The award, one of the state’s highest environmental honors, recognizes DuToit’s hard work and commitment to conserving and protecting Florida’s natural resources.

“Charley’s expertise, knowledge and willingness to work with and teach others makes him a very valuable member of the Florida Park Service,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation Bob Ballard. “The dedication and hard work demonstrated by Charlie in his 30 years with the Florida Park Service makes him a very deserving recipient of this honor.”

DuToit has served the state of Florida for nearly 30 years, as both a district and park biologist. As Park Biologist at the Tomoka Basin State Parks, he is charged with protecting natural and cultural resources across five state parks in Flager, Putnam and Volusia counties, an area of nearly 10,000 acres. He successfully coordinated a multi-agency and multi-partner marsh restoration project, securing more than $372,000 in funding and restoring more than 770 acres and 16 miles of ditch over the last five years. He is also highly involved in the parks’ exotic plant removal, prescribed burning, cultural resource management and research and monitoring programs.

“I am honored to have been selected as Resource Manager of the Year. This award is especially meaningful to me, because I was fortunate to work under Jim Stevenson for eight years after I was hired by the Florida State Parks in 1979,” said DuToit. “When Jim introduced the term ‘The Real Florida’ – now a familiar logo to millions of state park visitors- it was a visionary idea unifying the values of Florida’s unique natural resources and rich cultural heritage. This inspiration has stayed with me throughout my career as a biologist. “

The Jim Stevenson Resource Manager of the Year is selected by a committee of environmental professionals representing the Sierra Club, Florida Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy. DEP administers the award to recognize an employee who has made significant advancement in the protection of state lands actively managed by the Department.

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks spanning more than 725,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.

For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us.

TALLAHASSEE – In recognition of March being Florida Bicycle month, Governor Charlie Crist and the Department are reminding residents and tourists to enjoy some of the best biking weather the state has to offer.

In proclaiming Florida Bicycle Month, Governor Charlie Crist signed a proclamation recognizing how the bicycle plays an important role in the lives of millions of Floridians by providing a means to travel to work, school and parks, and as a popular form of recreation, helping to motivate eco-tourism. The proclamation highlights that increased bicycle usage can help reduce motor vehicle emissions and thereby reduce global climate change impacts.

“Florida has many great places to ride a bike, enjoy the fresh spring air and get some exercise,” said Jena Brooks, Director of DEP’s Greenways and Trails. “In addition to the many great paved trails, you might want to experience Florida’s nationally recognized mountain bike trails and March is the perfect time to take on a new adventure.”

American Trails recently named Florida as the “Best Trails State in America,” recognizing DEP’s Office of Greenways and Trails for its vision and leadership. Of the eight state trails, six are rail-trails, which are railroad corridors converted to recreational trails for hiking, biking, skating, equestrian activities and alternative transportation.

Florida, known for coastal beauty not only provides bike enthusiasts with a chance to ride on the hard sandy surfaces of the east coast beaches such as those found at Amelia Island State Park, but also some mountainous trails most people don’t necessarily associate with the Sunshine State. Carved out of former quarries Florida bike enthusiasts can enjoy riding on a mountainous terrain offered at the Santos Bike Trail East and Alafia River State Park south of Tampa. Two state parks in South Florida also offer exciting bike trails, Oleta River State Park in North Miami and Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound.

• Cross Florida Greenway - Santos Bike Trails East - Stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway occupies much of the land formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal. The Santos Bike Trails East portion of the greenway is best known for mountain bike trails. More than 30 miles of trails with three levels of difficulty are available to accommodate beginners to experts. The Santos trailhead draws riders from all over the state and country to experience an Epic Ride, an elite list of 43 trails throughout the country described by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) as “the best in mountain biking.”
• Alafia River State Park offers many challenging off-road mountain bicycle trails, Florida’s other claim to the famed Epic Ride designation, and horseback riding trails. Bikers can also go for a hike to one of the many lakes and enjoy a day of fishing, relaxation or bird-watching.
• Oleta River State Park has approximately 15 miles of mountain-bike trails ranging in skill level from novice to advanced. The park is home to many activities that you would not expect in the center of Miami. In addition to biking, park visitors can also rent kayaks and canoes.
• Jonathan Dickinson State Park is located just south of Stuart, bikers can enjoy paved and off road trails that run near Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Loxahatchee River.

DEP recently launched Rediscover Florida: 100 Ways in 100 Days — a campaign highlighting 100 different ways to experience Florida in 100 days. The campaign aims to increase awareness of all the activities Florida’s public lands offer – from the traditional (hiking, biking, camping) to the unique (festivals, historic reenactments and museums). Opportunities extend beyond the state’s 160 state parks – there are also eight state trails, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, plus many aquatic preserves and education centers. With all of these options, opportunities for fun and educational recreation are vast, affordable and close to home. Visitors to the Rediscover Florida Web site can explore an interactive list of 100 activities and track how many of the activities they can complete.

To view the Rediscover Florida: 100 Ways in 100 Days web site visit www.dep.state.fl.us and click on Rediscover Florida.

For more information on Florida’s greenways and trails, visit www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com.

To view Governor Charlie Crist’s, “March is Florida Bicycle Month Proclamation,” visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2009/03/files/fbm.pdf.

FORT LAUDERDALE – The Department, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, recognized the Lauderdale Marina as the 173rd member of the Florida Clean Marina Program last Friday. With the addition of the Lauderdale Marina, there are nearly 200 Clean Marinas, 30 Clean Boatyards and eight Clean Marine Retailers.

“DEP is pleased to welcome the Lauderdale Marina to the Florida Clean Marina Program,” said DEP Southeast District Director Jack Long. “We congratulate the staff at the Lauderdale Marina for helping to preserving our waterways by taking steps to reduce waste, prevent pollution and protect the marine resources that play such a large role in Florida’s economy.”

Florida Clean Marina Program facilities are required to meet a variety of best management practices to receive designation. These practices include, but are not limited to, properly storing and disposing of used oil, using fertilizers and pesticides according to directions, and using cleaning methods that prevent the release of pollutants.

The Lauderdale Marina celebrates its 61st year in operation, and is the oldest single-owner marina business in south Florida. The facility was founded by Robert O. Cox in 1948, and is now operated by three family generations. Cox not only founded Lauderdale Marina, but is also responsible for starting the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, one of the top ten boat shows in the country.

“We are very proud and honored to achieve the designation as a Florida Clean Marina,” said Robert O. Cox, Chairman and founder of Lauderdale Marina. “Our marina has always strived to be a good neighbor since opening in 1948, and Lauderdale Marina recognizes the importance of protecting our environment for present and future generations.”

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs which DEP administers to protect Florida’s waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“The Clean Boating Partnership applauds the Lauderdale Marina for their commitment to Florida’s environment,” said the Partnership’s Chair Mark Leslie. “The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we welcome it to our growing Clean Marina family.”

With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida, environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward safeguarding the state’s natural resources. By providing “green” education and alternatives the Florida Clean Marina Program helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and a billion dollar marine industry. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green.

TALLAHASSEE – The Department's Florida Park Service will host special events through the month of March in recognition of Florida Archaeology Month. Coordinated by the Florida Department of State and the Florida Anthropological Society, Florida Archaeology Month encourages awareness and understanding of the state’s rich history and culture.

“Florida’s state park system contains many valuable archaeological sites that preserve and interpret the culture and history of Florida,” said DEP’s Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “I encourage citizens and visitors to learn more by participating in archaeological programs this month in Florida’s state parks.”

More than 1,500 sites within Florida’s state parks feature specially preserved archeology that commemorates a time in history or preserves artifacts from thousands of years ago. Some state parks specifically dedicated to archaeological sites include

• San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park, Islamorada
• Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, Tallahassee
• Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Estero

Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park in Leon County features Florida's tallest Native American ceremonial mound built between 1100 and 1800 years ago; it is 46 feet high. Crystal River Archaeological State Park in Crystal River, a National Historic Landmark, is a 61 acre, pre-Columbian, Native American site with burial mounds, temple/platform mounds often used for ceremonies, a plaza area and a substantial midden – ancient waste disposal site. The six-mound complex is one of the longest continuously occupied sites in Florida.

State park events for Florida Archaeology Month include:

Little Talbot Island State Park
Archaeology of the Talbot Islands
Saturday, March 14, 1:00 p.m.
Join a park ranger for a look into the archeological resources left behind by previous cultures. The program will take place at pavilion one on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. For more information, call (904) 251-2320.

Constitution Convention Museum State Park
Archaeology Day
Saturday, March 21, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In partnership with the Florida Public Archaeology Network, archaeologists from the University of West Florida will examine artifacts, discuss the area’s archaeology and answer questions. Park entrance fee will be waived to participants. For more information, call (850) 227-1327.

Faver-Dykes State Park
Native American Program
Saturday, March 21, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Participants will explore the park with an expert guide and enjoy stories about the Timucuans and the important role the river, forest and ocean played in their everyday lives. The program will showcase a 1500s Timucuan Camp, complete with living history, food, clothing and shelter. This program is included in regular park entrance fee of $3.00 per vehicle and will take place in the picnic area. For more information, call (386) 446-6783.

Myakka River State Park
Red, Black and Seminole
Saturday, March 28, 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by the Friends of Myakka River and the Florida Humanities Council, this program will be presented by Dr. Andrew Frank of Florida State University. Dr. Frank will share the story of a deep and historically rich Florida path where two unique cultures converge, how African Americans and the Seminole Indians forged a community for a common cause. Park entrance fees are waived for participants. For more information, call (941) 373-7839.

For more information about Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org. For more information about Florida Archaeology Month, visit http://www.flheritage.com/archaeology/month/.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently launched Rediscover Florida: 100 Days in Ways— a campaign highlighting 100 different ways to experience Florida in 100 days. The campaign aims to increase awareness of all the activities Florida’s public lands offer – from the traditional (hiking, biking, camping) to the unique (festivals, historic reenactments and museums). Opportunities extend beyond the state’s 160 state parks – there are also eight state trails, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, plus many aquatic preserves and education centers. With all of these options, opportunities for fun and educational recreation are vast, affordable and close to home.

Visitors to the Rediscover Florida Web site can explore an interactive list of 100 activities and track how many of the activities they complete. To view the Web site visit www.dep.state.fl.us and click Rediscover Florida.