3—1 

## Chapter 3 - Outdoor Recreation
Providers, Programs and Partnerships

and providing public access to the large, resource-based recreation areas and facilities.

Most state-level funding for recreation has gone to the acquisition and development of state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, water management lands and historicsites, as well as state-assisted resourcebased parks within cities and counties. This policy will remain substantially unchanged inthe foreseeable future so long as high quality natural and historical resources can be acquired and developed in those areas of

the state where an identified recreational need for them exists. At the same time,however, it is clearly recognized that useroriented recreational needs must also be met, and that financial assistance programsfor acquisition and development of recreation areas and facilities for user-oriented recreation are vital to meeting those needs.

County and municipal governments are the primary suppliers of the public facilitiesneeded for user-oriented recreation, although some also provide areas and facilities to meet part of the need for resourcebased outdoor recreation. As urbanization and population growth continue in Florida,local governments will face increasing pressure to assume a greater role in providing

both user-oriented and resource-based types of recreation.

Private recreation providers are a vital component of the state’s outdoor recreation supply.Commercial providers meet a significant portion of the overall demand for both resourcebased and user-oriented outdoor recreation in Florida, particularly tourist-generated demand. For example, commercial providers supply 

## Outdoor Recreation Providers

In response to an ever-growing and everchanging public demand, a variety of outdoor recreation programs have developed in Florida through the years. Although both private and public efforts have served thisdemand, most of the formal outdoor recreation programs have been instituted by various levels of government. Both state andfederal agencies have been extensively involved, and practically every county and municipality in Florida conducts some outdoor recreation programs of its own. Many of these diverse programs have evolved more out of expediency than by careful design. As a result, there has been much duplication and overlap. Fortunately, however, most of the legitimate outdoor recreation needs in the state have been met in some fashion byconcerted efforts to coordinate these governmental programs.

Florida’s outdoor recreation providers can beclassified into five categories: federal government, state government, county government, municipal government and private sector providers. Both federal and stateagencies are concerned with areas and facilities designed to accommodate the demand for resource-based outdoor recreation. The federal government provides various types of outdoor recreation areas of national significance, while the state provides areas and facilities of statewide or regionalsignificance. Historically, the state and federal governments have not become involvedin the direct provision of user-oriented resources and facilities. This has been dictated largely by funding constraints and by the early recognition that the federal andstate governments had to assume the primary responsibility for locating, acquiring3—2 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

dressed. Further information concerning the programs described in this chapter should be obtained directly from the agency.



### Federal Programs

The federal government has responsibilityfor developing recreational facilities and programs that provide public opportunities that are not, or cannot, be made available by state or local government. Federal roles in outdoor recreation are broad in scope and run the gamut from dredging waterways,

lock and levee construction and maintenance, endangered species protection and habitat preservation, and providing crucial funds for many programs through federal grants. Federal agencies coordinate and cooperate on resource protection effortssuch as protecting wilderness areas, designating wild and scenic rivers, and implementing trail connectivity projects that require inter-jurisdictional management. The core mission of most of the federal agencies,with the exception of the National Park Service, is not recreation per se. However, bythe nature of their settings - the national forests, wildlife refuges, military installations, dams and locks, waterways and estuaries of

the state - these vast tracts of federal land are key locations for outdoor recreation andplay a vital role in the state’s outdoor recreation supply.



### U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) has the specific mission to conserve the scenery andnatural resources of national parks and provide a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Besides active land management for outdoor recreation, the federal agencies administer financial and technical more than 90 percent of the campsites in the state and meet a considerable portion of theoverall demand for camping facilities by residents and visitors.

Non-profit organizations include private and quasi-public organizations such as thescouts, church groups and conservation organizations. These groups provide land andfacilities primarily for the use of the members, but in some cases for the public at large.

Clubs and other organizations not certified as non-profit by the Florida Department of State (DOS), such as hunt clubs, country clubs, yacht clubs and others, manage lands and facilities that are primarily available only to organization members and their guests. In doing so, they can relieve some of thepressure that is often placed on overcrowded public facilities. In addition, private industry lands (timber companies and other industries with extensive land holdings whose lands or portions thereof are open tothe public) are used for resource-based recreation, although some forms of useroriented facilities are also available. In recent years, however, many such areas have been withdrawn from use by the general public, particularly for hunting, and are now available only to leaseholders or others who

have access to the lands.



## Outdoor Recreation Programs

This section describes the specific programs of the various categories of public and private recreation suppliers discussed in the previous section. Although the public agencies discussed in this section may have other responsibilities, only those related to outdoor recreation opportunities are ad-3—3 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Figure 3.1

Source: National Atlas of the United States3—4 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

• Maintaining the National Register of Historic Places pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 United States Code 470).

• Designating significant properties or assistance programs to aid state and local agencies and private citizens.

In Florida, NPS’s mission includes:

• Managing 11 areas comprising more than 2.6 million acres of submerged and upland areas set aside for their natural or historic interest (see Figure 3.1).

• Administering the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program, which provided more than $22 million to local governments between 2001 and 2007 to fund 134 park acquisition and development projects. These funds are

awarded to meet recreation needs identified through an open selection process described in Appendix E.

Biscayne National Pa rk, Monroe County The National Park Service

Organic Act August 25,

1916: “...to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such

manner and such means as willleave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”3—5 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

surveys, planning activities and community education. These programs are administered in Florida by the Division of Historic Resources (DHR) within DOS.

• Administering the Federal Lands-to-Parks Program

, which enables states and local governments to establish park and recreation areas on federal properties which are no longer needed for military or civilian uses by conveying lands for that

purpose.

• Coordinating the Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program by providing planning assistance to communities for projects that are designed to protect rivers, trails and greenways on lands outside of the federal

domain. landmarks of national historical or archaeological interest, as defined in the Historic Sites Act of 1936 (16 United States Code 461), including districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects of state and regional significance.

• Partnering with other federal agencies as well as state and local government programs designed to achieve national goals such as clean air, protection of wilderness areas, cl ean water and access to waterways and coastal areas under the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Water Resources Development Act.

• Providing matching grants through the
Historic Preservation Grants-in-Aid Program, an expansion of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, to government, private groups and individuals for historic preservation Figure 3.2

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection3—6 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

tional Scenic Trail is further discussed under the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on page 3-9.

National Historic Trails commemorate historic and prehistoric routes of travel that are significant to the nation. Throughout the United States, there are 12 National HistoricTrails made up of 26,430 miles of designated trails. These trails provide user experiences through a series of interpretive facilities along trails and signed automobileroutes. There are currently no National Historic Trails in Florida.

National Recreation Trails provide outdoor recreation opportunities in a variety of urban, rural and remote settings. A total of 26 trails including more than 500 miles of land-based trails and 1,700 miles of paddling trails have been designated in Florida (see Figure 3.3). These trails are managed by federal, state, county and municipal agencies and run the spectrum from urban jogging and bicycling in St. Petersburg to wilderness canoeing in the Everglades. National Trail System

The National Trail System Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-543), authorized creation of a national trail system comprised of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails and
National Historic Trails. While National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails may only be designated by congressional act,National Recreation Trails may be designated by the Secretary of the Interior or theSecretary of Agriculture to recognize exemplary trails of local and regional significance, upon application from the trail managing agency or organization. When designated,these trails are recognized as part of the National Trail System.

In order to be certified as a National ScenicTrail, a trail must contain outstanding recreation opportunities and encompass more than100 miles of a continuous, primarily nonmotorized trail. Eight National Scenic Trails have been designated across the nation. A total of 1,400 miles of hiking trails acrossFlorida were designated as the Florida National Scenic Trail in 1983. The Florida NaFlorida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail3—7 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Figure 3.3

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory an d Florida Department of Environmental

Protection3—8 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Act), Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration(commonly referred to as the PittmanRobertson Act) and Wildlife Partnership Act (conservation of non-game species). These grant programs are managed in Florida by the Florida Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Commission. Grants to Florida under the Clean Vessel Act (clean boating programs) are managed by theClean Marina Program in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s

Office of External Affairs.



### U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) provides leadership in the management, protectionand use of the nation's forests and rangelands. The agency is dedicated to multipleuse management of these lands for sustained yields of renewable resources suchas wood, water, forage, wildlife and recreation to meet the diverse needs of people.The responsibility of USFS in the field of outdoor recreation is to fully develop the recreational potential of national forests and protect landscape aesthetics. USFS also cooperates with other federal, state and localagencies in planning and developing recreational resources on other federal, state, local and private lands.

In Florida, USFS administers three national forests: the Apalachicola, the Ocala and the 

### U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, is to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefitof the American people. This mission is accomplished by enforcing federal wildlifelaws, protecting endangered species, managing migratory birds, restoring nationallysignificant fisheries and conserving and restoring wildlife habitat including wetlands.

USFWS also distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies across the nation. The activities of

USFWS in Florida include:

• Management of 28 national wildlife refuges, comprising nearly one million acres of land and water (see Figure 3.1)

. Most of the refuges are limited-purpose outdoor recreation areas that provide bird watching, wildlife observation, fishing,

environmental education and interpretation and at some refuges, public hunting. In addition, the Service manages a national fish hatchery in

Welaka and maintains law enforcement

facilities at six locations.

• Administration of federal aid programs, including Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (commonly referred to as the Dingell-Johnson Act and Wallop-Breaux U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service

Mission: “Provide the Federal leadership to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of people.”

U.S. Forest Service

Mission: “To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.”3—9 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

ida National Scenic Trail, designated byCongress in 1983, extends from the Big Cypress National Preserve north to the Gulf

Islands National Seashore in the Florida Panhandle. Along the way, the Florida trail passes through lands managed by morethan two dozen public land managing agencies in more than 40 separate management units. USFS acts as a partner with state land management agencies and private landowners to obtain through-trail access forthe project. The non-profit Florida Trail Association, Inc., through its volunteer membership of hiker-volunteers, provides nearly 70,000 hours of manpower each year to build and maintain the trail (see Figure 3.3). Osceola (see Figure 3.1). Together these areas contain approximately 1.2 millionacres of land and water, thus making a major contribution to the state's recreational resources. They contain some of Florida's most pristine lands including extensive woodlands, springs and streams. Within the national forests, USFS manages numerous designated public recreation sites. Some ofthe sites are managed exclusively for dispersed recreational purposes, such as hiking, hunting, fishing and primitive camping.

Florida National Scenic Trail

USFS is the federal administering agency for

the Florida National Scenic Trail. The FlorFlorida National Scenic Trail3—10 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Florida is divided into two USACE districts. The Mobile District manages recreation sites
at the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam on Lake Seminole, a 37,500-acre impoundment insouthern Georgia and Jackson County, Florida. Excellent opportunities for camping,hiking, fishing, hunting and boating are available.

The Jacksonville District manages Lake
Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway in southern Florida. Not only does this managed area provide extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, but its series of locks and canals provides a cross-Florida waterway that is popular among pleasure
boaters and connects the Atlantic Ocean

and the Gulf of Mexico via the lake and the

Caloosahatchee River.

In partnership with the South Florida WaterManagement District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other federal, state, local and tribal agencies, theUSACE is planning the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), one ofthe world’s largest wetland restoration projects. The project covers 16 counties and over 18,000 square miles. The Plan wasapproved by Congress in the Water Re

### U.S. Department of Defense

The U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) includes the Departments of the Army, Navyand Air Force. Each provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Florida. USDOD has 17 military installations in Florida that make lands available for recreational purposes. Although public outdoor recreation is not a primary function of USDOD, its contributions in this regard are nevertheless important to Florida's overall outdoor recreation program. Generally, all military installations offer some degree of outdoor recreation programs for military personnel, dependents and their guests. However, access to their resources for recreational use by the general public is usually limited.



### U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Along with its primary responsibilities fornavigation, flood control, environmental restoration and beach erosion control, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) hasmade considerable efforts to provide recreational facilities. It is the policy of USACE toplan for and provide outdoor recreation resources and facilities at all of its water resources projects.

USACE’s general authority for recreational development stems from the Flood Control Act of 1944, which was later expanded by the Federal Water Project Recreation Act of1965 (16 United States Code 460). The latter act directs that each project give full consideration to opportunities for outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement,

and it establishes outdoor recreation andpreservation of wildlife and fish as a full project purpose. U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers

“The U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers Natural Resource Management Mission is to manage and conserve those natural resources,consistent with ecosystem management principles, while providingquality public outdoor recreation experiences, to serve the needs of present and future generations.”3—11 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

gram provides funds to the states to develop

and maintain recreational trails and trailrelated facilities for both non-motorized and

motorized trail uses. The Office of Greenways and Trails in the Florida Department of

Environmental Protection administers the financial assistance program in coordination

with the FHWA.

The Transportation Enhancement Program provides funding for improvements that are not provided as part of the features routinelyprovided in transportation projects. Enhancements such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities, preservation and conversion ofabandoned railroad corridors to trails, landscaping and other scenic beautification projects have been provided in Florida through this program. Since 2001, a total of $315million in enhancement funds have been apportioned to Florida through the program. sources Development Act of 2000, which was reauthorized by Congress in November

2007. It includes more than 60 elementsand will require more than 30 years to construct at an estimated cost of $10.9 billion.The CERP Master Recreation Plan will provide guidance to assist recreation planning within CERP project fee title lands, and will help provide recreation opportunities that are compatible with the restoration purposes of the project.



### U.S. Department of Transportation

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) withinthe U.S. Department of Transportation provides grants to state and local governmentsfor various recreational trail projects, including bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and scenic highways. The Recreational Trails ProIndian River Lagoon National Sc enic Byway, Brevard County3—12 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

logical research program containing extensive teacher training, education, research and monitoring. Findings are communicated to coastal managers and other decision makers, as well as local citizens. Floridacontains three of these reserves: Apalachicola, Guana Tolomato Matanzas and Rookery Bay.

National Marine Sanctuaries

The National Marine Sanctuary Programdesignates and manages areas of the marine environment with special national significance due to their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, scientific, cultural, archaeological, educational or aesthetic qualities. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, one of 13 in the National Marine Sanctuaries System, covers 3,668 square miles and encompasses part of the most extensive living coral reef system in the

nation.

National Coastal Zone Management Program

The National Coastal Zone Management Program fosters an effective partnership among federal, state and local governments. By leveraging federal and state matchingfunds, the program strengthens the capabilities of each partner to address coastal issues while giving states the flexibility to design a program that accommodates their unique coastal challenges.

The Florida Coastal Management program is administered by the Florida Department of

Environmental Protection’s Office of Intergovernmental Programs. The state program serves as the lead coordinator with eightother state agencies and five water management districts in enforcing 23 statutes andThe National Scenic Byways Program recognizes roads having outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational and archaeological qualities by designating them as National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads, America’s Byways or State Scenic Byways. Grants and technical assistanceare provided to the states to implement projects on designated byways, and to plan, design and develop a state scenic bywayprogram. The Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), in cooperation with FHWA, is the administering agency for the Florida Scenic Highway Program.



### U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific and technical organization that works to preserve and

enhance the nation’s coastal resources andecosystems. Its mission is to provide products, services and information that promotesafe navigation, support coastal communities, sustain marine ecosystems and mitigate coastal hazards. The National OceanService provides assistance to Florida in observing, understanding and managing

coastal and marine resources. Florida is anactive partner in several programs that directly affect resource protection in Florida's

coastal areas.

National Estuarine Research Reserves

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of estuarine areas across the nation established for long-term stewardship, research and education. Each reserve has developed an organized eco-3—13 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Guana Tolomato Matanzas Na tional Estuarine Research Reserve, St. Johns County

implementing several coastal zone management programs in cooperation with NOAA.The program works to protect coastal resources, build and maintain vital communities, enhance coastal access, protect remarkable places and revitalize working waterfronts.

In 2002, the National Coastal Zone program

initiated the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program. The program is aimed at protecting important coastal andestuarine areas that have significant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical or aesthetic values and that are threatened by
conversion from their natural or recreational

state to other uses. The Florida Coastal Management Program manages this grant program, which provides up to $3 million for each eligible project. 

### State Programs

The State of Florida's responsibilities for providing public recreation are fulfilled through a variety of facilities and programs, eachunique to the mission of nine separate entities.



### Florida Department of

Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of

Environmental Protection(DEP) is charged with the protection, administration, management, supervision, development and conservation of Florida's natural

and cultural resources. This broad mandate is accomplished by direct acquisition and management of public outdoor recreation and conservation areas, as well as through major initiatives and agency priorities which contribute to a healthy ecosystem. DEP’s3—14 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

functions include protecting and conservingFlorida’s water supply and its quality, protecting springs and oceans, restoring America’s Everglades, acquiring, conserving and managing conservation and recreation lands, enforcing environmental laws and regulations, investing in cleaner sources of energy and protecting the health of Florida’s

communities.



### Division of Recreation and Parks

DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) develops and operates Florida's state park system for the benefit and enjoyment of

Florida’s citizens and visitors. The statepark system contains many of the best remaining examples of Florida’s original domain and cultural heritage. Units in the state park system are classified for managementaccording to the natural and cultural resources they contain and the desired balance between resource preservation and public use (see Unit Classification System in Appendix B). As of July 2007, the system consisted of 161 areas, comprising almost 700,000 acres of land and water. It contained 51 state parks, 35 state recreation areas, 29 special featuresites, 26 preserves, six museums, four ornamental gardens, two reserves, two fishing piers, one wildlife park and five sites that are not designated (see Figure 3.5 and Table 3.1). Between 2000 and 2007, nearly 184,000 acres of land and water were addedto the state park system under the classifications identified above. Division of Recreation and

Parks

Mission: “To provide resourcebased recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural

and cultural resources.”

Anastasia State Park , St. Johns County3—15 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Besides providing hundreds of thousands of acres for public recreational use, the state park system is the largest steward of public historic properties in the state. More than 83 parks contain significant historic resources, including almost 300 historic structures and more than 1,500 archaeological sites. These resources provide a broad array ofunique interpretive and educational opportunities for residents and visitors. In addition to administering Florida’s state park system,

DRP also administers the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program and the
federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program provides financial assistance to eligible local governments, including the67 county general governments and 412 incorporated municipalities of Florida. Pursuant to Section 375.075, Florida Statutes, andChapter 62D-5, Part V, Florida Administrative Code, DEP recommends to the Legislature each year that an appropriation of not less than five percent of the total amount credited annually to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund be authorized for the program. Since 2001, the program has also received two percent of the bond proceeds made available through the Florida Forever program. Funding from the program is awarded on a competitive basis that considers the total project costs and the economic status of the applicants among other evaluation

criteria.

Since 2000, 1,397 projects totaling $189.2million have been awarded under the program for the acquisition, development and renovation of recreation projects throughout Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Figure 3.43—16 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Figure 3.5

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection3—17 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Table 3.13—18 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

the state (Figure 3.4). These projectsranged from small, local land acquisition projects to projects of regional significance encompassing hundreds of acres. Facility development ranged from single-purpose facilities providing such amenities as beach access, picnicking and ball fields, to large, multi-activity parks.



### Office of Greenways and Trails

The Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT)provides statewide leadership and coordination to establish, expand and promote greenways and recreational trails in Florida. Established in 1993 to manage the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, OGT’sprograms have expanded to include management and administration of the FloridaGreenways and Trails System through designation of lands and waterways, planning assistance and public information. OGT also administers the Recreational Trails Program and provides funding for land acquisition and trail development. OGT’s activities are governed by the Florida Greenways and Trails Act (Chapter 260, Florida Statutes).

OGT administers a program for formally designating public and private lands and water ways as part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System. The designation program

Office of Greenways and

Trails

Mission: “Working to establish a statewide system of greenways and trails for recreation, conservationand alternative transportation purposes.” Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Collier County3—19 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

helps to ensure an inclusive and interconnected system of greenways and trails by encouraging partnerships in conservation, development and management of systemcomponents, providing recognition for system components and raising public awareness of the conservation and recreationbenefits of the system. As part of this responsibility, “visioning maps” are prepared through collaboration with local governments and trails advocates to display preferred routes for future trails and greenways, known as “opportunity corridors.” The maps

also define the statewide vision for a connected system of trails and determine eligibility for funding to purchase land. Visioning maps that include multi-use trails, hikingtrails and paddling trails are contained in Appendix I. In addition to administering the FloridaGreenways and Trails System, OGT provides direct management of key system components. These include the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway and eight multi-use, long-distance state trails. In total, OGT manages 1,305 miles of trails and 62,462 acres.

OGT administers a land acquisition program that is funded through annual allocations

from the Florida Forever program. Acquisition proposals originate with local entitiesand are evaluated by OGT. No local matching funds are required. Title to properties acquired through this program is retained by the State of Florida, and the properties are subleased to local managing entities for trail development, operation and maintenance. Figure 3.6

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection3—20 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Figure 3.7

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory3—21 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas

Mission: “To protect Florida's coastal and aquatic resources.”

Rookery Bay Aquatic Pr eserve, Collier County OGT also administers the RecreationalTrails Program, a federally funded, competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to approved local entities. Theprogram provides reimbursement for the development and maintenance of recreationaltrails and related facilities, both nonmotorized and motorized.



### Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas

The Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) is the principal manager ofsubmerged lands and their associated marine and aquatic resources in Florida. The Florida Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975(Chapter 258, Part II, Florida Statutes), authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to maintain state owned submerged lands with exceptional biological, aesthetic and scientific value as aquatic preserves. These areas offer prime opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, paddling and other water-related types of recreation. CAMA manages Florida’s 41 aquatic preserves, including 37 saltwater and four freshwater systems, encompassing more than 1.8 million acres of sovereign submerged lands of the state (see Figure 3.8). In cooperation with NOAA, CAMA manages approximately 430,000 acres of submerged land and coastal uplands in

three national estuarine research reserves: Apalachicola, Guana Tolomato Matanzasand Rookery Bay. In addition, CAMA partners with NOAA and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to manage the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary contains 3,668 square miles of submerged lands around the 126-mile long Florida Keys, and encompasses the most extensive living coral reef system in the

nation.

Through the Southeast Florida Coral Reef

Initiative and the Coral Reef ConservationProgram, CAMA supports Florida’s membership in the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force andthe U.S. All Islands Committee. These programs coordinate research and monitoring,develop management strategies, and promote partnerships to protect the coral reefs,

hard bottom communities and associated
reef resources of southeast Florida.3—22 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Figure 3.8

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Marine Research Institute3—23 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Florida Communities Trust, to preserve andrestore working waterfronts and provide public access to Florida’s waters. In addition to these new programs, greater emphasis wasplaced on providing public access to conservation lands, increasing accountability of public land management, protecting listed plant and animal species, and addressing
climate change



### .

Division of Water Resource Management

The Division of Water Resource Management (DWRM) is responsible for protecting the quality of Florida’s drinking water as wellas its rivers, lakes and wetlands, and for reclaiming lands after they have been minedfor phosphate and other minerals. Its programs establish the technical basis for setting the state’s surface water and ground water quality standards, which are critical to maintaining the viability of water resources for public outdoor recreational use. By 2025, Floridians are expected to use about two billion gallons more fresh water eachday. The Water Protection and Sustainability Program, created in 2005, has the task ofincreasing available water supplies, including alternative water supplies, and promoting efficient water use and conservation tomeet existing and future water supply

needs. DEP’s annual
report, Tapping New Sources: Meeting 2025 Water Supply Needs, describes thehighlights and accomplishments of this new

program. 

### Division of State Lands

Since 1972, Florida has invested approximately $6.8 billion through successive landacquisition programs to conserve approximately 3.7 million acres of land for environmental preservation, conservation and outdoor recreation purposes. The Division of State Lands (DSL) administers these land acquisition programs on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund and DEP. DSL also provides administrative oversight for approximately11 million acres of state owned lands, including 700 freshwater springs, 4,510 islands of ten acres or more and 7,000 lakes.

DSL administers the Florida Forever program, which was created by the 1999 Florida Legislature as the successor program to

the Florida Preservation 2000program established in 1990. Under Florida Forever, $300 million in funds have been availableeach year to support a variety of land acquisition purposes, including the preservation of environmental, conservation, and water management lands and to provide grants to local governments. Since Florida Forever’s inception, 601,000 acres of land and waterhave been acquired, reflecting an investment of more than $2.6 billion.

In 2008, Florida Forever was extended for another decade by the Florida Legislature. As part of the program’s re-authorization, several important changes were made to the original program that was established in 1999. Two new land acquisition programs were created. The Rural and Family Lands

Protection Act was established in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the acquisition of agricultural lands through perpetual easements and other less-than-fee techniques. The Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Program was created in the Department of Community Affairs,3—24 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Division of Law Enforcement

Florida Park Police

DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) isthe primary law enforcement agency responsible for the protection of visitors to state parks, greenways and trails, and aquatic preserves. DLE also plays an important role in investigating environmental crimes of all types and is a leading agency in bringing cases to judicial resolution.



### Office of Sustainable Initiatives

Clean Marina Program

In 1992, Congress enacted the Clean Vessel Act, which established a federal grant program administered by USFWS to reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges.Funding comes from the Sport Fishing Restoration Program account made up of revenues from excise taxes on fishing equipment, boats and motorboat fuels. The Clean Marina Program is a cooperative effort bythe Office of Sustainable Initiatives, the Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, International Marina Institute, U.S. Coast Guard and public and private marinas throughout the state. Cleanboater programs educate recreational boaters, marinas, boat yards and marine retailersabout pollution control and enhance recreational boating through brochures and workshops that emphasize protecting aquatic resources. Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems

Coastal protection and restoration are vital in preserving one of Florida’s most valuable natural resources - its 825 miles of sandy shoreline fronting the Atlantic Ocean, the

Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. As of 2007, more than 192 miles of beach have

been restored as a result of the Beach Erosion Control Program, working in concert with other agencies and local governments to protect, preserve and restore coastal sandy beaches. Financial assistance in an amount up to 50 percent of project costs isavailable to county and municipal governments, community development districts and special taxing districts for shore protectionand preservation. In addition to beach restoration and renourishment, funds are also
available for construction of dune walkovers and parking facilities for public access. Through 2006, more than $582 million has been appropriated by the Florida Legislature
for beach erosion control activities and hurricane damage recovery.

Bureau of Mine Reclamation

DWRM’s Mine Reclamation Program regulates surface mine reclamation through a review and monitoring process. Originallyestablished in the late 1980s to regulate, restore and reclaim phosphate-mined land, theprogram has evolved into a habitat and wildlife management program. Today, the program is responsible for managing 23 stateowned parcels along the Peace and AlafiaRivers and in the Green Swamp to implement long-term management activitiesneeded for protection of the these greenways, wildlife corridors and riparian buffers. Division of Law Enforcement

Mission: “Dedicated to excellence in public and environmental protection.”3—25 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Water Management Districts

Section 373.1391(1)(a), Florida

Statutes:

“Whenever practicable, such lands shall be open to the general public for recreational uses. General public recreational purposes shall include,but not be limited to, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, swimming, camping, hiking, canoeing, boating, diving, birding, sailing, jogging, and

other related outdoor activities tothe maximum extent possible considering the environmental sensitivity and suitability of those lands...” 

### Water Management Districts

The Office of Water Policy in DEP addresses statewide water management issues in coordination with Florida’s water management districts and other agencies. Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, created five water management districts for the purposeof managing and conserving the state’s water resources. The five districts were organized around major drainage basins in the state: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida and South Florida. Land acquisition is one of the districts’ primary tools for carrying out their mission of flood control, water storage and management, water resource development, and preservation of wetlands, streams and

lakes.

The districts play a key role in providing public outdoor recreation opportunities on landsunder their ownership. The water management districts acquire land through funding

from Florida Forever and other sources.

Under Florida Forever , 30 percent of the program’s annual funding of $300 million is allocated for this purpose. This amount is divided among the five districts according to a population-based formula established in Section 373.59(8), Florida Statutes. The districts are required to make their lands available for compatible public outdoor recreation uses whenever practicable. Numerous public access sites and recreational facilities have been developed on districtowned lands throughout the state in cooperation with other state agencies, the federal government, counties, municipalities and the private sector. Examples of the recreational

Suwannee River3—26 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Figure 3.9

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection3—27 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

federal funds for the preservation, restoration and enhancement of Florida’s sport fishing resources, including boating access facilities, from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (commonly referred to as the Dingell-Johnson Act and Wallop-Breaux Act)program. It also receives funds for the protection of endangered species from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (commonly referred to as the Pittman-Robertson Act)Trust Fund. These programs are administered at the federal level by USFWS, which provide grants and technical assistance to

the states.



### Division of Habitat and Species

Conservation

This unit is responsible for the Wildlife Management Area system, which includes 154opportunities provided on district lands include hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding

, bicycling, canoeing, primitive camping and wildlife viewing.



### Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) was established by a

1998 amendment to the Florida Constitutionthat consolidated the responsibility for conserving the state’s freshwater and saltwater aquatic life and wildlife into a single agency.FWCC operates under a mission of managing fish and wildlife for the long-term wellbeing and benefit of the people.

FWCC is composed of seven members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, for staggered terms of five years. FWCC exercises regulatory and executive powers of the State over marine life and is charged with exercising all the non-judicial powers of the state with respect to wild animals, freshwater aquatic life and

marine life. Central to FWCC’s role in outdoor recreation is the management of hunting and fishing areas. FWCC receives Florida Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Commission



### Mission : “Managing fish andwildlife resources for their longterm well-being and the benefit of people.”

Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail3—28 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

quires large, well-managed acreages for a healthy game population--is becoming more difficult to provide.

Mitigation parks are areas ranging in sizefrom 350 to 2,000 acres that have been selected by FWCC for purchase with funds collected through mitigation to protect and enhance important wildlife habitat. Examples

of outdoor recreational activities available atselected mitigation parks include hiking, biking, wildlife watching, canoeing and kayaking.

In 2001, Congress created the State Wildlife Grants Program and required each state todevelop a comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy in order to continue receivingfederal wildlife grants. FWCC created Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative in 2004 to serve the agency’s long-term commitment to
conserve native wildlife. The initiative crafts

a statewide vision for the future of wildlife inFlorida, in coordination with other state, federal and local agencies, universities, conservation organizations, recreation groups, tracts totaling approximately 5.8 million acres in public and private ownership (see Figure 3.11). These tracts include wildlifemanagement areas and wildlife environmental areas. Wildlife management areasare established for the management of wildlife or freshwater fish on which hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation activities may be permitted. Wildlife environmental areas are endangered or environmentally unique habitats with a primary management objective of protection and conservation of

the resources.

Florida has one of the nation’s largest systems of state-managed wildlife lands. FWCC is the lead manager of 40 areas that cover 1.4 million acres and is a co-manager

of 114 areas that cover an additional 4.4 million acres. Often, FWCC's cooperating agreements are short-term arrangements, particularly on private lands. As a result, theamount of hunting land available to the public on these areas fluctuates from year to year. As Florida’s population continues to grow and spread into undeveloped areas ofthe state, land for hunting--a sport that reGroup of Manatees3—29 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Division of Law Enforcement

FWCC’s Division of Law Enforcement officers provide protection to residents and visitors who enjoy Florida’s natural resources, and enforce resource protection and boating safety regulations in the state’s woods and waters. The Boating, Waterways and Field Services (BWFS) section is responsible foreducating boaters about boating safety, ensuring boat ramp and pier access, installing and maintaining waterway signage, and identifying derelict vessels.

BWFS section administers several grantprograms, including the Florida Boating Improvement Program, the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program and the Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program. The Federal Aid to Sport Fishing Re storation Program(commonly referred to as the DingellJohnson Act and Wallop-Breaux Act) is a "user pays, user benefits" program that is aimed at improving sport fishing and boating opportunities. Federal funds are collected from taxes on fishing tackle, motor fuels and import duties on tackle and yachts. Themoney is returned to appropriate state agencies for research, management, educationand facility development related to sport fishbusinesses and the public. Species range from those which are common throughout

the southeastern United States to some which are virtually unknown elsewhere in the country, such as the Florida panther, the Florida manatee and the Florida scrub jay.The initiative supports various forms of outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, bird watching and nature study.



### Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management

The Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management (DFFM) provides expertise on freshwater fish populations, angler use andother aspects of freshwater fisheries to ensure high quality fishing in Florida lakes, rivers and streams. DFFM provides the public
with information on freshwater fisheries management issues, fishing opportunities, aquatic education and outreach, and othermatters aimed at promoting responsible lifelong participation in sport fishing. Additionally, freshwater fish production facilities provide a dependable supply of the specific size, quantity and quality of freshwater fishto meet specific freshwater fisheries management objectives.

Hardee Lakes Park, Hardee County3—30 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Figure 3.10

The Great Florida Birding Trail is a collection of 445 sites throughout the state selected fortheir excellent bird watching or bird education opportunities. The 2,000-mile, selfguided highway trail is designed to conserveand enhance Florida’s bird habitat by promoting bird watching activities, conservation education and economic opportunities. Thetrail combines special highway signs identifying designated sites with a map showcasing Florida’s birding opportunities. Whenfully completed, the Trail will consist of a series of loops, each containing five to 10 sitesthat highlight natural communities and special ecosystems.

FWCC also manages the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail, an open-water route that traverses the coastal forests, salt marshesand seagrass beds between the Ochlockonee River and Tarpon Springs. The 105- mile trail is managed as part of the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. ing. As a result of these programs, 200 grants around the state, totaling more than$21 million, have been provided for constructing boat ramps and related access facilities (see Figure 3.10).



### Office of Recreation Services

The Office of Recreation Services (ORS)provides opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in wildlife viewing-focused activities on wildlife management and other areas. Recreational improvements provided by ORS include user access facilities such as trails, interpretive facilities, observation structures, camping areas, boat ramps and facilities for recreational shooting. ORS manages the Great Florida Birding Trail in cooperation with state, regional and localgovernments and non-profit groups statewide and assists local communities in developing wildlife-viewing opportunities and promoting nature-based tourism.3—31 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Figure 3.11

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory3—32 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Table 3.23—33 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

use, collectively referred to as off-highwayvehicles. It also requires DOF to recommend appropriate locations for additionalpublic access for off-highway vehicle recreational use, working in cooperation with thenine-member Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Advisory Committee. Since the law wasenacted, two new areas have been designated for off-highway vehicle use, Tate’s Hell State Forest in Franklin County and Mallory Swamp in Lafayette County(managed by Suwannee River Water Management District) and several new sites are currently being developed.

Besides directly providing resources and facilities for outdoor recreation, DOF assists private landowners in developing forestmanagement plans that often include a rec

### Florida Department of Agriculture and

Consumer Services

Division of Forestry

The Division of Forestry (DOF) is a major

contributor to Florida’s total outdoor recreation supply. The primary outdoor recreationobjective is to maximize compatible recreational use of state forest lands. Florida’sstate forest system consists of 34 areas totaling more than 924,000 acres, most of which provide abundant opportunities for many popular outdoor recreation activities(see Figure 3.12). Resource-based recreation opportunities offered by DOF includecamping, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, off-highway vehicle use, fishing, paddling and nature study. Hunting is allowed on most properties managed by DOF, and is administered in cooperation with FWCC as part of that agency's wildlife
management program.

DOF is also responsible for administeringthe Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Program established by the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Recreation Act (Chapter 261, Florida Statutes) in 2002.The Act provides a set of guidelines for providing and maintaining state lands for offhighway motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle Division of Forestry

Mission: “The mission of the Division of Forestry is to protect Florida and its people from the dangers of wildland fire and manage the forest resources through a stewardship ethic to assure they are available for future generations.”

Blackwater River State Fore st, Santa Rosa County3—34 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Figure 3.12

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory3—35 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

reation component. At the landowner’s request, DOF will assess the land's potential for hunting, fishing, wildlife management, water access facilities, camping and related activities. DOF may also assist landowners in designing facilities such as campgrounds, boat ramps and hiking trails to make the land available for recreational purposes.



### Florida Department of

State

Office of Cultural and Historical Programs

The Office of Cultural and Historical Programs (OCHP) is the state agency responsible for preserving and promoting the historical, archaeological, museum, arts and folk culture resources in Florida. Within OCHP,

the Division of Historic al Resources (DHR) is the primary agency for directing historic preservation. The director of DHR serves asthe State Historic Preservation Officer providing a liaison with the national historic preservation programs conducted by NPS.

The Bureau of Historic Preservation conducts historic preservation programs aimedat identifying, evaluating, preserving and interpreting the historic and cultural resources
of the state. The bureau contains four sections with important responsibilities for historic resource management.

The Compliance Review Section administers the Florida Master Site File and reviews federal or state undertakings that may affect

historical or cultural resources. The Preservation Services Section oversees the Architectural Preservation Services Program, the Main Street Program, and the Grants-in-AidProgram. The Survey and Registration Section oversees the National Register/National Historic Landmark Program. The Public Outreach Section directs the Publications,Historical Markers, and Florida Folklife Programs.

Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, directs DHRto cooperate with state and federal agencies, local government, private organizations and individuals to conduct a comprehensive statewide survey of historic resources and to develop a statewide historic preservationplan. The primary purpose of the state’s historic preservation plan is to guide the implementation of sound planning procedures for the location, identification, and protection ofthe state’s archaeological and historical resources.



### Florida Department of Community

Affairs

The Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) offers technical and financial assistance to local governments in a widerange of functional areas. As the state planning agency, DCA is charged with coordinating state-level review of local government comprehensive plans and comprehensive regional policy plans required by Chapters 163 and 186, Florida Statutes. DCA hasalso assisted local governments and regional agencies on resource managementand protection matters through its involvement in resource planning and management committees established by the Governor in

Department of Community
Affairs

Mission Statement: "We will meet the needs of Floridians by investing in communities and working with them to plan and manage growth."3—36 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

accordance with Chapter 380, Florida Statutes.



### Florida Communities Trust

The Florida Communities Trust (FCT), established in 1989 to help local governments preserve parks, open space, beaches andnatural areas, has created more livable communities throughout Florida. Matching and full grants for conservation and recreation land acquisition projects are provided tocommunities, as well as to non-profit environmental organizations, through an annualcompetitive application process. FCT receives 21 percent of annual proceeds from

Florida Forever , totaling approximately $63

million. As of October 2007, more than 77,000 acres were acquired through the program. FCT has provided nearly $667 million of the $1.2 billion spent to acquire these lands, while local government partners have provided matching funds in excess of $560 million (see Figure 3.13).



### Waterfronts Florida Partnership Program

The Waterfronts Florida Partnership Program was originally established by DCA in1997. In 2005, the program received statutory authorization to be administered in coordination with DEP and NOAA under Chapter 342, Florida Statutes. The program helps communities revitalize and promote interestin their waterfront districts by providing technical assistance, support, training and financial assistance. Waterfront revitalization Figure 3.13

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection3—37 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

structs and maintains rest areas for publicuse and provides opportunities for waterbased recreation on causeways and bridges. Additionally, DOT administers the State Pedestrian and Bicycle Program, the Florida Scenic Highway Program and the Transportation Enhancement Program.



### Pedestrian and Bicycle Program

DOT developed the State Pedestrian and Bicycle Program in Florida as a means of promoting alternative transportation modes and recreational bicycling in Florida. DOT develops initiatives and programs to improve the environment for safe, comfortable and convenient walking and bicycling trips and to improve the performance and interaction among motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. As part of this program, the state pedestrianand bicycle coordinator and district pedestrian and bicycle coordinators in each of DOT’s seven field operations regions workwith municipal pedestrian and bicycle coordinators to develop and update design, maintenance and operation guidelines for all state, municipal and local bicycle facilities.



### Florida Scenic Highway Program

The Florida Scenic Highway Program is a grass-roots effort to showcase and heighten

awareness of Florida’s intrinsic resources -may target environmental resource protection, public access, retention of viable traditional waterfront economies and hazard mitigation. Since 1997, a total of 21 communities have received designation as Waterfronts Florida Partnership communities. In2005, five new communities were designated for the 2005-2007 cycle: Bradenton Beach, Bagdad Village, Fort Walton Beach,
Port St. Joe and Fernandina Beach.



### Rural Land Stewardship Area Program

In 2001, the Legislature established the Rural Land Stewardship Area Program under Section 163.3177(11)(d), Florida Statutes, torecognize and further rural land sustainability. The program provides that counties may designate rural land stewardship areas on
lands classified in the future land use element as being predominantly agricultural, rural, open or a substantively equivalent land use. Responding to the conversion of 2.8 million acres of farm land to non-agricultural uses between 1974 and 2002, the programis intended as a local, incentive-based process that uses innovative land use planning to protect agricultural and natural resources

in rural Florida.



### Florida Department of Transportation

In providing for the state's transportation needs, Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), under Chapter 334, Florida Statutes, gives consideration to the preservation and
enhancement of the environment and the conservation of natural resources, including scenic, historic and recreational assets. Florida's highway system affords a vast number of scenic recreational opportunities, but perhaps its most significant contribution to outdoor recreation is providing access to
Florida's recreation resources. DOT conDepartment of Transportation

Mission: “The Department will provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity and preserves the quality

of our environment and communities.”3—38 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

based recreation areas detached from the main campus for use by students, alumni and in some instances, the general public. These areas provide opportunities for bothactive and passive outdoor recreation activities, such as golfing, swimming, canoeing,hiking, camping, nature study and picnicking.



### Special Districts

Chapter 189, Florida Statutes, also known as the Uniform Special District AccountabilityAct of 1989, addresses the operation of special districts in Florida. Over 1,600 specialdistricts exist statewide, providing infrastructure and services in a wide range of areas including fire control, libraries, ports andinlets, mosquito control, water control, community development, roads and hospitals. Insome cases, special districts play an expanded role in providing outdoor recreation opportunities, conservation and resource management services.

Navigation districts in the state play a particularly important role in outdoor recreation. The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND)cultural, historical, archaeological, recreational, natural and scenic - which collectively enhance the overall traveling experience.Designated highways tell a story that is representative of Florida's past and present lifestyles. Participation in the program is voluntary and benefits the communities along the

routes in matters such as resource enhancement and protection. Proposed projects are reviewed based on criteria established byFHWA. Each designated corridor is managed by a corridor management entity made up of interested citizens. As of July 2007, there were 15 designated scenic highways

in Florida.



### State University System of Florida

The State University System of Florida consists of 11 institutions that serve 293,000 students and contain almost 14,000 acres ofland. Each university has an approved master plan that addresses the issue of outdoor recreation space. Recreational facilitiesmaintained by each university provide opportunities for participation in a variety of athletic activities such as tennis, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and football. Manystate universities also operate resourceWilliams Park, Hillsborough County3—39 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

billion to acquire conservation and recreation

lands.



### County Roles

Florida’s counties vary in character from densely populated metropolitan areas such as Miami-Dade and Pinellas, to sparselypopulated rural areas like Glades and Liberty. County governments are key components of Florida’s recreation and park system. All counties do not have the same outdoor recreation needs nor have they all been able to fund responsive programs to the same degree, but every county in the statehas an officially established outdoor recreation program. In some counties, useroriented recreation programming is limited,
but resource-based facilities such as roadside picnic areas or boat ramps are common amenities. In some counties, user-oriented facilities may be available only at public schools and municipal parks. More than halfof Florida's counties, however, have undertaken sophisticated recreation programs involving the administration of numerous anddiverse parks, facilities and program activities.

Counties are primarily concerned with the local outdoor recreation needs generated by extra-municipal populations and as a rule are the ideal level of government to provide regional or large community parks. Unlikecities, the larger acreage of counties provides a wider range of resources and a greater variety of outdoor recreation venues.As a result, the typical county outdoor recreation program in Florida may offer a combination of resource-based and useroriented activities. Beaches, swimming areas, boating access sites, picnic sites, scenic areas and, occasionally, campgroundsare among the more popular types of resource-based areas and facilities provided.and the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) provide assistance programs that develop waterway access projects such as boat ramps, marinas, boardwalks, fishing piers, waterfront parks, navigation channels,

shoreline stabilization and environmentalrestoration projects. FIND is the state sponsor of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from the Georgia border to the southern endof Miami-Dade County and provides $12 million annually through two assistance programs. WCIND stretches from the northern border of Manatee County to the southern border of Lee County and contains the 152- mile long Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.



### Local Government Providers

Besides being the main provider of useroriented recreation facilities and programs,local governments are pursuing opportunities to acquire open space and conservationareas for their communities, often in partnerships with state agencies or non-profit conservation groups. Although the size of the properties acquired under these programsmay not be as large as the properties acquired for conservation by state and federal agencies, they can be critically important inachieving a community’s goals for environmental preservation, recreation and open space, or growth management.

Much of the success of the state’s land acquisition programs is the result of the cooperative partnerships between federal, stateand local governments and national and local land trusts. Many of the projects havebeen sponsored jointly by partnering arrangements and such partnerships with local governments have increased in recentyears. Of Florida’s 67 counties, 29 have implemented land acquisition programs as have several cities and regional authorities. Such programs have generated nearly $23—40 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Municipal Roles

Virtually all of Florida's 412 municipalities have recreation programs and facilities ofone type or another. Many cities have developed park and recreation programs with
trained staff involved in the administration of parks, facilities and programs. Smaller cities may have only limited facilities and rely on the county government, local school system, private organizations or non-profit groups to carry out athletic programs.

Because of population densities and the lackof large open space areas that support resource-based recreation opportunities, municipal recreation systems tend to concentrate on providing more intensive useroriented facilities that require relatively little space. Typical municipal outdoor recreation facilities include playgrounds, swimming pools, ball fields, tennis courts and golf

courses. Because of the near total relianceon user-oriented facilities, municipal programs have only a limited bearing on the

statewide resource-based outdoor recreation program. There are some exceptions, however, especially in the cases of cities located on bodies of water. For example,Atlantic and Gulf coastal communities provide many excellent public beach facilities, while those located on navigable waters (coastal or inland) operate marinas, boatramps, mooring fields and other boating facilities.

Although little in the way of resource-based outdoor recreation facilities is provided bythe typical municipal outdoor recreation program, municipal programs play a primaryrole in the provision of user-oriented recreation opportunities in Florida. The importance of the role of municipal programs will grow as increased public emphasis is placed on close-to-home recreation. Since municipal recreation agencies are the recreation system closest to the people, they are usually the first to feel the pressures to establish programs for meeting the added demands of

new residents.



### Non-Government Roles

In addition to the more conventional forms of outdoor recreation provided by all levels ofgovernment, a wide array of recreational opportunities is afforded by the private sector.Private programs range from for-profit recreational enterprises such as campgrounds, golf courses, marinas and attractions of allkinds to non-profit conservation organizations. Industries with extensive land holdings, notably the forest products industry in Florida, provide vast recreation resources
and excellent facilities on their lands for the use of the public often at only a nominal fee.However, this resource is quickly disappearing in many parts of the state as timber lands are being converted to private access leases or developed for residential and commercial

purposes.

Private outdoor recreation, because of itssize, complexity and the fact that it undergoes rapid and frequent change, is extremely difficult to inventory in a comprehensive manner. In addition to its direct deliveryof outdoor recreation opportunities, the private sector can respond quickly to opportunities for acquiring property for subsequent donation or resale. This capability makes the private sector a valuable partner withpublic agencies in the provision of resourcebased outdoor recreation. During the past decade, private companies and non-profit organizations have transferred thousands of acres to state government for recreation and conservation purposes. Those transfers represent a substantial contribution to the3—41 

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, Leon Countyoverall supply of outdoor recreational opportunities in Florida.



### Commercial Providers

Florida’s commercial outdoor recreation providers are a vital component of the state’s economy. Commercial providers meet a significant portion of the overall demand for

both resource-based and user-oriented outdoor recreation in Florida, particularly touristgenerated demand. Because of their capabilities and further potential for fulfilling demand, the private commercial sector must bear a large share of the responsibility for meeting demand for both resource-based

and user-oriented recreation.



### Private Organizations

This category includes private and quasipublic organizations such as the YMCA, 4-H, scouting organizations, faith-basedgroups and a myriad of conservation organizations such as The Nature Conservancy,Audubon Society, Archbold Biological Station and Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy. In many cases these organizations not only acquire and manage conservation land, but they also conductpreservation, restoration and research programs and public educational activities.These groups provide land and facilities primarily for the use of members, but in some cases for the public at large. 

### Clubs

This category includes hunt clubs, country clubs, tennis clubs, yacht clubs and others. These groups manage land or facilities that are primarily available only to organization members or their guests. In addition, privateindustry lands are included (timber companies and other industries with extensive land holdings whose lands or portions thereof are open to the public). The majority of these

lands are used for resource-based recreation, although some forms of user-oriented

facilities are also available.