PALATKA, Fla., Sept. 8, 2009 - The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board today approved a land exchange agreement that completes the corridor for the Econ-St. Johns Ecosystem Florida Forever Project and completes the protection of approximately 80,000 acres of public conservation land.

The Board approved the request for the District to exchange 1,139 acres of its Yarborough property for 3,201 acres of the Clonts property in Seminole County. This exchange will result in the protection of the final 1.5 miles of privately owned riverfront and marshlands in the area, and the connection of the Florida National Scenic Trail. With the earlier purchases by the District and its partners of the Yarborough Ranch, Joshua Creek and Turkey Creek properties, a total of approximately 80,000 acres of public conservation lands is now protected in the area, including 53,000 acres of land within the 100-year floodplain.

"This is the final piece to the puzzle," said District Governing Board Chairwoman Susan Hughes. "Not only does it allow for the protection of land along the riverfront, but it provides a new link for the Florida National Scenic Trail in this area."

The Econ-St. Johns project protects the area along Puzzle Lake where the Econlockhatchee River flows into the St. Johns River. It will add to conservation lands already along the river, preserve several archaeological sites and protect habitat for bald eagles and other wildlife.