PALATKA, Fla., Aug. 7, 2007 — The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board voted today to purchase 393 acres adjacent to the Four Creeks Forest Conservation Area in Nassau County.
The tract, known locally as the Geiger property, lies within the Northeast Florida Timberlands Florida Forever Project area and is located east of Callahan and west of Interstate 95.
The $3.14 million purchase will provide protection to Alligator Creek and Thomas Creek, along with their associated wetland systems.
“The purchase provides protection of water resource and wetland functions, but perhaps the most important aspect is that it enhances much-needed access to the Four Creeks Forest Conservation Area,” says Governing Board member W. Leonard Wood, of Fernandina Beach.
The property is primarily pastureland with some forested wetland areas and will be managed by the Florida Division of Forestry as part of the Four Creeks State Forest.
Funding for the purchase will come from Florida Forever funds and mitigation funds from the Florida Department of Transportation.
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