# Final Draft

### State of Florida



## DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Michael W. Sole Secretary

Bob Ballard Deputy Secretary, Land & Recreation



## DIVISION OF RECREATION AND PARKS

Mike Bullock

Director and State Liaison Officer

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Recreation and Parks Marjory Stoneman Douglas Building

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is an equal opportunity agency, offering all persons the benefits of participating in each of its programs an d competing in all areas of employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national orig in, age, disability or other non-merit factors.

# A Comprehensive Program For Meeting

Florida’s Outdoor Recreation Needs

State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Recreation and Parks
Tallahassee, Florida 

# OUTDOOR RECREATION IN FLORIDA —

2008

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

i Table of Contents

PAGE

Chapter 1: Introducti on and Backgr ound.............................................................................. 1-1 Purpose and Scope of the Plan ........................................................................................1-1 Outdoor Recreation - A Legitim ate Role for Government................................................1-3

Outdoor Recreation Defined..............................................................................................1-3 Roles in Providing Outdoor Recreation ............................................................................1-4

Need For a State Outdoor Recreation Program...............................................................1-5 The Planning Process .......................................................................................................1-6 Public Participation ......................................................................................................1-6 Planning Coordination.................................................................................................1-6

State-Level Coordination.......................................................................................1-7

State-Federal Coordination...................................................................................1-7

State-Local Coordination.......................................................................................1-7

State-Private Coordination....................................................................................1-7

Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... ....1-8

Chapter 2: Florida’s Outd oor Recreation Setting.................................................................. 2-1 Florida's People and Economy .........................................................................................2-1 Physical Situation............................................................................................................. ..2-2

Climate ........................................................................................................................ .......2-2 Geology........................................................................................................................ ......2-3 Physiography ................................................................................................................... ..2-3 Hydrology...................................................................................................................... .....2-5 Vegetation and Wildlife......................................................................................................2- 6 History and Culture ............................................................................................................ 2-7

Chapter 3: Outdoor Recreation Provider s, Programs and Partnershi ps.............................. 3-1

Outdoor Recreation Providers...........................................................................................3-1

Outdoor Recreation Programs ..........................................................................................3-2 Federal Programs........................................................................................................3-2 U.S. Department of the Interior .............................................................................3-2

National Park Service......................................................................................3-2 National Trail System................................................................................3-6

U.S. Fish and Wi ldlife Service.........................................................................3-8 U.S. Department Agriculture .................................................................................3-8

U.S. Forest Service .........................................................................................3-8

Florida National Scenic Trail.....................................................................3-9 U.S. Department of Defense...............................................................................3-10 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers......................................................................3-10 U.S. Department of Transportation.....................................................................3-11 U.S. Department of Commerce ..........................................................................3-12

National Ocea nic and Atmospheric Administration......................................3-12

National Estuarine Research Reserves .................................................3-12

National Ma rine Sanctuaries...................................................................3-12

National Coastal Zo ne Management Program ......................................3-12

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

ii PAGE

State Pr ograms..........................................................................................................3-13 Florida Department of En vironmental Protection...............................................3-13

Division of Recreation and Parks..................................................................3-14 Office of Greenways and Trails.....................................................................3-18 Office of Coastal and Aq uatic Managed Areas............................................3-21

Division of State Lands..................................................................................3-23 Division of Water Resource Management....................................................3-23 Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems..............................................3-24

Bureau of Mine Reclamation ..................................................................3-24

Division of Law Enforcement ........................................................................3-24

Florida Park Police ..................................................................................3-24

Office of Sustainable Initiatives.....................................................................3-24 Clean Marina Program............................................................................3-24 Water Management Districts...............................................................................3-25

Florida Fish and Wildlife Co nservation Co mmission .........................................3-27

Division of Habitat an d Species Conservation .............................................3-28

Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management............................................3-29

Division of Law Enforcement ........................................................................3-29

Office of Recreation Services .......................................................................3-30 Florida Department of Agricult ure and Consumer Services ..............................3-33

Florida Division of Forestry ...........................................................................3-33 Florida Department of State................................................................................3-35 Office of Cultural and Historical Programs ...................................................3-35 Florida Department of Community Affairs ..........................................................3-35

Florida Communities Trust............................................................................3-36

Waterfronts Florida Pa rtnership Program.....................................................3-36

Rural Land Stewards hip Area Program........................................................3-37 Florida Department of Transportation.................................................................3-37 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program ..................................................................3-37 Florida Scenic Highway Program .................................................................3-38

State Universi ty System of Florida......................................................................3-38 Special Districts ...................................................................................................3-38

Local Government Providers.....................................................................................3-39 County Roles .......................................................................................................3-39 Municipal Roles ...................................................................................................3-40

Non-Government Roles ............................................................................................3-40

Commercial Providers.........................................................................................3-41 Private Organizations..........................................................................................3-41

Clubs....................................................................................................................3-41

Chapter 4: Outdoor Recreation Su pply and Regional Profile s............................................. 4-1 Statewide Overview of Supply ..........................................................................................4-2 Regional Summaries .........................................................................................................4-3 West Florida Region ..........................................................................................................4 -6

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

iii PAGE

Apalachee Region ...........................................................................................................4-13 North Central Florida Region...........................................................................................4-21 Northeast Florida Region.................................................................................................4-29 Withlacoochee Region.....................................................................................................4-37 East Central Florida Region ............................................................................................4-45 Central Florida Region ....................................................................................................4-53 Tampa Bay Region..........................................................................................................4-60 Southwest Florida Region ...............................................................................................4-67 Treasure Coast Region ...................................................................................................4-75 South Florida Region.......................................................................................................4- 82

Chapter 5: Outdoor Recrea tion Demand an d Need............................................................. 5-1

Outdoor Recreation Demand............................................................................................5-1

Outdoor Recreation Preferences ......................................................................................5-3

Measures to Encourage Participation...............................................................................5-5 Comparing Demand and Supply.......................................................................................5-6 Findings by Activity .......................................................................................................... ..5-8

Water-Based Activities ................................................................................................5-8

Saltwater Beach Activities.....................................................................................5-8

Freshwater Beach Activities..................................................................................5-9 Saltwater Boat Fishing ........................................................................................5-10 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing ................................................................................5-11 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use...................................................................................5-12 Freshwater Boat Fishing .....................................................................................5-13 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing .............................................................................5-14 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use................................................................................5-15 Canoeing/Kayaking .............................................................................................5-16

Land-Based Activities................................................................................................5-17 Visiting Arch aeological and Hist oric Sites ..........................................................5-17 Nature Study........................................................................................................5-18 Picnicking.............................................................................................................5-19 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails ..............................................................................5-20 Hiking ...................................................................................................................5-2 1 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails..........................................................................5-22 RV/Trailer Camping.............................................................................................5-23 Tent Camping ......................................................................................................5-24 Off-Highway Vehicle Riding ................................................................................5-25 Horseback Riding ................................................................................................5-26 Hunting.................................................................................................................5-27

User-Oriented Activities.............................................................................................5-28

Chapter 6: Outdoor Recreati on Trends and Issues.............................................................. 6-1 Funding for Outdoor Recreation........................................................................................6-1 Planning for Flor ida’s Future .............................................................................................6-2 Energy Costs.................................................................................................................. ....6-3

Recreational Access to Florida’s Waters..........................................................................6-4

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

iv PAGE

Tourism ....................................................................................................................... .......6-5 Reconnecting Children and Youth to the Outdoors..........................................................6-6 Technology and Outd oor Recreation................................................................................6-7 Special Planning Co nsiderations ......................................................................................6-8 Off-Highway Vehicle Trails..........................................................................................6-9 Equestrian Trails........................................................................................................6-10 Hunting...................................................................................................................... .6-12

Chapter 7: Implementi ng the Florida Outdoor Recreation Plan ........................................... 7-1 A System of Lands.............................................................................................................7 -1

Goals......................................................................................................................... .........7-1

Recommendations.............................................................................................................7- 2 Planning ..................................................................................................................... ..7-2 Interagency Coordination, C ooperation and Partnerships.........................................7-3 Acquiring and Managing Conservation Lands ...........................................................7-4 Funding ...................................................................................................................... ..7-5

Environmental Education ............................................................................................7-6 Active and Healthy Living............................................................................................7-7

Tourism ...................................................................................................................... ..7-8 Outdoor Recreation Opportunities for All People.......................................................7-8

Florida’s Waters.........................................................................................................7-10 Greenways and Trails................................................................................................7-11

Relative Need Index .................................................................................................7-13

APPENDICES

A. Terms and Definit ions....................................................................................................... A-1 B. Unit Classification System................................................................................................ B- 1 C. Outdoor Recreation Agenci es and Organizations........................................................... C-1

D. Use Guidelines.............................................................................................................. .... D-1 E. Open Project Sele ction Process ...................................................................................... E-1 F. Participation Study Methodology and Survey Ques tionnaires.........................................F-1 G. Public Workshop Information ...........................................................................................G-1

H. Wetlands Assessment...................................................................................................... H-1 I. Trail Opportunity Maps ...................................................................................................... .I-1 J. Statewide and Regional Pa rticipation Projections............................................................J-1 K. Methodology for De veloping the Relative Need Index ................................................... K-1 L. List of Acronyms ........................................................................................................... .....L-1

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

v LIST OF TABLES

TABLE PAGE

2.1 Visitor Estimates fo r Florida 2000-2007 ...............................................................2-3

3.1 Florida’s State Parks ...........................................................................................3-17 3.2 Lands Managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission...................................................................................................3-32 4.1 Statewide Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category

of Provider........................................................................................................4-4

4.2 Outdoor Recreation Resour ces and Facilities, by Region...................................4-5 4.1.1 Current and Projected Popula tion, West Florida Region.....................................4-7 4.1.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of
Provider, West Florida Region......................................................................4-11 4.1.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, West Florida Region ....................................4-12 4.2.1 Current and Projected Popu lation, Apalachee Region......................................4-15 4.2.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of Provider, Apalachee Region.........................................................................4-18 4.2.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, Apalac hee Region........................................4-19 4.3.1 Current and Projected Population , North Central Florida Region .....................4-23 4.3.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of Provider, North Central Florida Region ........................................................4-26 4.3.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Area s, North Central Florida Region.......................4-27 4.4.1 Current and Projected Populat ion, Northeast Florida Region ...........................4-31 4.4.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of Provider, Northeast Florida Region ..............................................................4-34 4.4.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Area s, Northeast Florida Region.............................4-35 4.5.1 Current and Projected Popula tion, Withlacoochee Region ...............................4-39 4.5.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of
Provider, With lacoochee Region ..................................................................4-42 4.5.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Ar eas, Withlacooc hee Region.................................4-43 4.6.1 Current and Projected Population , East Central Florida Region.......................4-47 4.6.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of Provider, East Central Florida Region..........................................................4-50 4.6.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, East Central Florida Region ........................4-51 4.7.1 Current and Projected Populat ion, Central Florida Region ...............................4-55 4.7.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of Provider, Central Florida Region ..................................................................4-58 4.7.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Ar eas, Central Florida Region.................................4-59 4.8.1 Current and Projected Popu lation, Tampa Ba y Region.....................................4-61 4.8.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of Provider, Tampa Bay Region........................................................................4-64 4.8.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, Tampa Bay Region......................................4-65 4.9.1 Current and Projected Populat ion, Southwest Florida Region..........................4-69 4.9.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of Provider, Southwest Florida Region.............................................................4-72

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

vi TABLE PAGE

4.9.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Area s, Southwest Florida Region ...........................4-73 4.10.1 Current and Projected Popula tion, Treasure Coast Region ..............................4-77 4.10.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of
Provider, Treasu re Coast Region .................................................................4-80 4.10.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Ar eas, Treasure Coast Region................................4-81 4.11.1 Current and Projected Popula tion, South Florida Region..................................4-84 4.11.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of Provider, South Florida Region.....................................................................4-87 4.11.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, South Florida Region...................................4-88

5.1 Statewide Resident and To urist Participation, 2007 ............................................5-2 5.2 Frequency of Participation Among Residents and Tourists.................................5-4

5.3 Measures that Would Encourage Greater Particip ation by Residents................5-5

5.4 Measures that Would Encourage Greater Partic ipation by Tourists ...................5-5 5.5 Demand and Need Summary by Re gion, Saltwater Beac h Activities.................5-8 5.6 Demand and Need Summary by Regi on, Freshwater Beach Activities .............5-9 5.7 Demand and Need Summary by Re gion, Saltwater Boat Fishing ....................5-10 5.8 Demand and Need Summary by Re gion, Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing............5-11 5.9 Demand and Need Summary by Re gion, Saltwater Boat Ramp Use...............5-12 5.10 Demand and Need Summary by Re gion, Freshwater B oat Fishing.................5-13 5.11 Demand and Need Summary by Regi on, Freshwater Non- Boat Fishing.........5-14 5.12 Demand and Need Summary by Regi on, Freshwater Boat Ramp Use ...........5-15 5.13 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Canoeing /Kayaking.........................5-16 5.14 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Visiting Archeological

and Historic Sites...........................................................................................5-17 5.15 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Nature Study....................................5-18

5.16 Demand and Need Summar y by Region, Picnicking.........................................5-19 5.17 Demand and Need Summary by Regi on, Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails ..........5-20

5.18 Demand and Need Summ ary by Region, Hiking...............................................5-21 5.19 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails......5-22 5.20 Demand and Need Summary by Region, RV/Trailer Camping.........................5-23 5.21 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Tent Camping..................................5-24 5.22 Demand and Need Summary by Re gion, Off-Highway Vehicle Riding............5-25 5.23 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Horseback Riding............................5-26

5.24 Demand and Need Summ ary by Region, Hunting.............................................5-27 5.25 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Baseball or Softball .........................5-29 5.26 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Outdoor Basketball..........................5-29

5.27 Demand and Need Summar y by Region, Football............................................5-30

5.28 Demand and Need Summ ary by Region, Golf...................................................5-30 5.29 Demand and Need Summary by Regi on, Outdoor Handball/Racquetball .......5-31 5.30 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Outdoor Shuffleboard......................5-31 5.31 Demand and Need Summary by Re gion, Outdoor Swimming Pool Use .........5-32 5.32 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Soccer or Rugby..............................5-32

5.33 Demand and Need Summ ary by Region, Tennis ..............................................5-33

7.1 2010 Relative Need In dex Priority Ranking........................................................7-15

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

vii LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE PAGE

1.1 Regional Plan ning Councils..................................................................................1-2 2.1 Florida Populati on, 1960 to 2030..........................................................................2-2

2.2 Satellite View of Florida.........................................................................................2-4 2.3 Physiographic Map of Florida ...............................................................................2-5

3.1 Federal Recreation Lands.....................................................................................3-3 3.2 Financial Assistance Projects Funded through the Land and Water

Conservation Fund Program 2000 -2007........................................................3-5 3.3 National Trail System ............................................................................................3-7 3.4 Local Governments Receiving Financial Assistance through the

Florida Recreation Develo pment Assistance Program................................3-15 3.5 Florida’s State Park System................................................................................3-16 3.6 Financial Assistance Projects Funded through the Office of Greenways

and Trails .......................................................................................................3-19 3.7 Lands and Trails Managed by th e Office of Greenway s and Trails ..................3-20

3.8 Florida’s Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas..................................................3-22

3.9 Florida’s Water M anagement Districts................................................................3-26 3.10 Financial Assistance Projects Funded through the Florida Boating Improvement Program 2000-2007 ...............................................................3-30 3.11 Lands Managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission...................................................................................................3-31

3.12 Florida’s State Forests.........................................................................................3-34 3.13 Local and Regional Parks Funded through the Florida Communities

Trust 2000-2007............................................................................................3-36

4.1 Statewide Outdoor Re creation Acreage by Cate gory of Provider.......................4-2

4.1.1 Public Conservation Land s, West Florida Region................................................4-6 4.1.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, West Florida Region........................................................................................4-8

4.2.1 Public Conservation L ands, Apalachee Region.................................................4-13 4.2.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, Apalachee Region.........................................................................................4-16

4.3.1 Public Conservation Land s, North Central Florida.............................................4-21 4.3.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider,

North Central Florida Region ........................................................................4-24 4.4.1 Public Conservation Lands, Northeast Florida Region......................................4-29 4.4.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, Northeast Florida Region..............................................................................4-32

4.5.1 Public Conservation Land s, Withlacoochee Region..........................................4-37 4.5.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, Withlacoochee Region..................................................................................4-40 4.6.1 Public Conservation Lands, East Central Flor ida Region..................................4-45 4.6.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, East Central Florida Region..........................................................................4-48

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

viii FIGURE PAGE

4.7.1 Public Conservation L ands, Central Florida.......................................................4-53 4.7.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, Central Florida Region ..................................................................................4-56

4.8.1 Public Conservation L ands, Tampa Bay Region ...............................................4-60 4.8.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, Tampa Bay Region........................................................................................4-62

4.9.1 Public Conservation L ands, Southwest Florida..................................................4-67 4.9.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, Southwest Florida Region.............................................................................4-70

4.10.1 Public Conser vation Lands, Treasure Coast Region.........................................4-75 4.10.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, Treasure Coast Region.................................................................................4-78

4.11.1 Public Conservation L ands, South Florida Region ............................................4-82 4.11.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreag e by Category of Provider, South Florida Region.....................................................................................4-85

5.1 Method for Calculatin g Level of Service...............................................................5-6

6.1 Florida’s Growth.....................................................................................................6-3

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

ix PHOTO CREDITS

PHOTO PAGE

Primitive camp site ....................................................................................................Cover Big Bend Wildlife Management Area Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Man golfin g................................................................................................................Cove r Duval County Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Equestrian r iders .......................................................................................................Cover R.O. Ranch, Lafayette County Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District

Two young swimmers................................................................................................Cover Ichetucknee Springs State Park Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Fishing boat...............................................................................................................Cove r Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Man wading with dog.................................................................................................Cover Photograph by Mike Mezrah

Canoe on rive r...........................................................................................................Cover

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Young children play ing soccer ..................................................................................Cover Brian Piccolo Park, Broward County Courtesy of Broward County Parks and Recreation Department

Man in historical uniform ...........................................................................................Cover Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park, Duval County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Man and woman biking on tr ail beside the road........................................................Cover Pinellas Trail, Pinellas County Photograph by Wayne Smaridge - Dunedin Daily Photo

User-oriented outdoor recr eation—soft ball.................................................................Co ver Brian Piccolo Park, Broward County Courtesy of Broward County Parks and Recreation Department

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

x PHOTO PAGE

Busy beach phot o ..................................................................................................... Cover Lovers Key State Park, Lee County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Resource-based outdoor re creation—kayaking..............................................................1-4 Big Shoals State Park, Columbia County Photograph by John Moran

User-oriented outdoor re creation—so ftball ..................................................................... 1-4 Brian Piccolo Park, Broward County Courtesy of Broward County Park and Recreation Department

Public work shop ............................................................................................................ 1-6 Chipley, Marion County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Bird watching with telescope .........................................................................................1-8 Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Crowded b each.............................................................................................................. 2-1 Lovers Key State Park, Lee County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Canal with vegetation on both s ides ..............................................................................2-6 Everglades National Park Courtesy of the National Park Service

Several bird species sitting toget her among close branches ........................................2-7 Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, Collier County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Child viewing interpre tive display ..................................................................................2-7 Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Alachua County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Divers above cor al and fi sh ...........................................................................................3-4 Biscayne National Park Courtesy of the National Park Service

Kayaking ....................................................................................................................... .3-6 Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District

Two hikers on a bridge cr ossing Kitching Creek............................................................3-9 Photograph by Raphael Clemente Courtesy of the Florida Trail Association

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

xi PHOTO PAGE

Arial photograph of wa ter and land..............................................................................3-11 Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway, Brevard County Courtesy of the National Scenic Byway Program

Aerial view of facility ....................................................................................................3-13 Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, St. Johns County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Family on a beach blanket enjoying the sun................................................................3-14 Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida Circumnavigational S altwater Paddli ng Trail ...................................................3-18 Ten Thousand Islands, Collier County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Aerial photograph of a port ion of the pr eserve. ...........................................................3-21 Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, Collier County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Kayakers and canoers paddling al ong the Suwannee River .......................................3-25

Suwannee River Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District

Two kayakers paddling in the wa ter ............................................................................3-27 Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Photograph by Scott Locorini—Adirondack Exposure

Group of manat ees ......................................................................................................3-28 Cormorant Canal in Yankeetown, Levy County Photograph by Eric Webber

Two people launching t heir boat into the lake from the ramp......................................3-29 Hardee Lakes Park, Hardee County Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Single hiker ..................................................................................................................3 -33 Blackwater State Forest, Santa Rosa County Courtesy of Robert Convevy, Florida Trail Association

Williams Park bo at ramp..............................................................................................3-38 Hillsborough County Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

xii PHOTO PAGE

Stand of pines and a cleari ng in the fore ground ..........................................................3-41 Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, Leon County Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Four cypress trees, scattered grasses and the reflections in the water.........................4-3 The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve Photograph by Clint Thomsen — www.bonnevillemariner.com

Spectators watching an air show. ..................................................................................4-7 Eglin Air Force Base, Okaloosa County Photograph by Sgt. Mike Mears, U.S. Air Force

Family of four playing in the water at t he beach ............................................................4-8 St. Andrews State Park, Bay County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Youth baseball game .....................................................................................................4-9 Tyndall Air Force Base Youth Center, Bay County Photograph by Chrissy Cutitta, U.S. Air Force

Three children fishing with one adult st anding by........................................................4-10 Lake Stone Campground, Escambia County Courtesy of Lake Stone Campground

Two RVs parked betw een picnic t ables....................................................................... 4-10 Emerald Beach RV Park, Okaloosa County Photograph by Howard Payne

The old capitol building................................................................................................4-14 Old Capitol Building in Tallahassee, Leon County Courtesy of the Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services

Bike race, Ap ril 2007 ....................................................................................................4-15 Blountstown Greenway, Calhoun County Courtesy of Calhoun County

Family hiking on a sandy path .....................................................................................4-17 T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Gulf County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Youth baseball game. ..................................................................................................4-20 J. Lewis Hall, Sr. Park, Leon County Courtesy of Leon County

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

xiii PHOTO PAGE

Man in cano e ...............................................................................................................4-22

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District

Shoreline fishing on the rivers ide.................................................................................4-23 Steinhatchee River, Dixie County Photograph by John Moran

Kickball game using oversiz ed yellow rub ber ball .......................................................4-25 Alachua County Fairgrounds Photograph by Clay Gibbons, Alachua County

Sky, trees, grass and wate r .........................................................................................4-30 Pellicer Creek, St. Johns and Flagler counties Courtesy of the St. Johns River Water Management District

Boat motoring on Fort George River............................................................................4-31 Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Nassau County Courtesy of the National Park Service

Nature study, adult showing child ren a delicate water bug..........................................4-32 Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Golfer taking a stroke from the f airway ........................................................................4-33 Duval County Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

People hiking across the landscaped bridge over I-75................................................4-38 Cross Florida Greenway Land Bridge, Marion County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Four hunters.................................................................................................................4- 38 Private Hunting Land, Levy County Courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation

Canoes on a river .........................................................................................................4-39 Ocala National Forest, Marion County Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Picnickers by the river..................................................................................................4-41 Chasshowitzka River Campground and Recreation Area, Citrus County Courtesy of Citrus County

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

xiv PHOTO PAGE

Visitors on a t our boat..................................................................................................4-44 Silver Springs, Marion County Courtesy of Silver Springs

People fishing fr om a dock ..........................................................................................4-46 Lake Louisa State Park, Lake County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Hikers and their reflec tions on a creek ........................................................................ 4-47 Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area, Osceola County Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Kayakers among cypress tr ees ...................................................................................4-49 Lake Norris, Lake County Courtesy of Lake County

Night time foot ball game ..............................................................................................4-52 University of Central Florida, Orange County Courtesy of Sportexe®

Children on a ha y ride .................................................................................................4-54 Highlands Hammock State Park, Highlands County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Trek Ten Trails, Oc tober,2007.....................................................................................4-55 Fort Frazier Trail, Polk County Courtesy of the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau

Two canoers paddling on the river...............................................................................4-56 Peace River, Hardee County Photo by Johnny Molloy

Bird and boat................................................................................................................4- 57 Polk County Courtesy of Grape Hammock Fish Camp

Child kicking football....................................................................................................4-61 Alafia River State Park, Hillsborough County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Man and woman biking on trail beside t he road ..........................................................4-63 Pinellas Trail, Pinellas County Photograph by Wayne Smaridge -Dunedin Daily Photo

### Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

xv PHOTO PAGE

Children playing in water sp outs among sculp tures ....................................................4-66 Cypress Forest Park, Pinellas County Courtesy of the Town of Oldsmar

Child on his toes watchi ng gulls on the beach.............................................................4-68 Delnor-Wiggins State Park, Collier County Photograph Contest Winner, Rodney Wiley Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Group of kaya kers........................................................................................................4-69 Myakka Wild and Scenic River, Sarasota County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Two people fishing on the pier and a row boat docking...............................................4-71 Imperial River Boat Ramp, Lee County Courtesy of Lee County

Family building a sand castle.......................................................................................4-74 Fort Myers Beach, Lee County Courtesy of the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau

Cypress domes in a marsh ar ea..................................................................................4-76 Blue Cypress Conservation Area, Indian River County Courtesy of the St. Johns River Water Management District

People fishing fr om a jetty ...........................................................................................4-77 Sebastian Inlet State Park, Indian River County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Children playing in sha llow swimming pool .................................................................4-79 Calypso Bay, Palm Beach County Courtesy of Palm Beach County

Marina and downtow n Miami.......................................................................................4-83 Miami-Dade County Courtesy of the Greater Miami Visitor and Convention Bureau

Two divers under water, swimming with flippers and tan ks.........................................4-84 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Monroe County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Sailboat....................................................................................................................... .4-86 Fort Lauderdale, Broward County Courtesy of the Greater Miami Visitor and Convention Bureau

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Adventure ra cing............................................................................................................5-1 Alafia River State Park, Hillsborough County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Cricket player................................................................................................................. 5-7 Central Broward Regional Park, Broward County Courtesy of Broward County

Daytona Be ach ..............................................................................................................6-2 Volusia County

Boat ramp ...................................................................................................................... 6-4 Old Fort Boat Ramp, Wakulla County Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Lone kayaker paddling on the river................................................................................6-6

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail Photograph by John Moran

Child with fishing p ole, holding a fish.............................................................................6-7 Lake Eaton, Marion County Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Geographic Positioni ng System device and cache .......................................................6-8 Equipment used for Geocaching Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

ATV rider...................................................................................................................... ..6-9 Croom Motorcycle Area, Withlacoochee State Forest Courtesy of David Wilmont

Group of horseback riders in an open field..................................................................6-11 R.O. Ranch, Lafayette County Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District

Six hunters displaying four turk eys..............................................................................6-12 Bayard Wildlife Management Area, Clay County Courtesy of the Florida Wild Turkey Federation

Swimmers t ubing ........................................................................................................... 7-1 Clypso Bay, Palm Beach County Courtesy of Palm Beach County

Three camping tents ......................................................................................................7-1 Florida Caverns State Park, Jackson County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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Horseback rider ............................................................................................................. 7-1 R.O. Ranch, Lafayette County Courtesy of Suwannee River Water Management District

Young baseball player ...................................................................................................7-1 Fossil Park, Pinellas County Photograph by Rick Lovejoy, Fossil Park Youth Baseball and Softball

Canoe and kayak bo at launch .......................................................................................7-1 Woods Ferry, Suwannee County Courtesy of Suwannee River Water Management District

Group of children fishing................................................................................................7-1 Lake Manatee State Park, Manatee County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Beachgoers with umbrella .............................................................................................7-1 Perdido Key State Park, Escambia County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Planner displaying char ts and maps..............................................................................7-3 Suwannee River State Park, Suwannee County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Worker performing pr escribed bu rn...............................................................................7-4 Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Teaching a group at a youth camp ................................................................................7-6 Ocala National Forest, Marion County Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Boy riding a ski m board .................................................................................................7-7 Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Man in wheelchair on t he ramp at beach.......................................................................7-9 Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, Franklin County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida’s springs, two young swim mers....................................................................... 7-11 Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Columbia County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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Two kayake rs...............................................................................................................7-12 Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Photograph by Scott Locorini—Adirondack Exposure

Four bicyclist................................................................................................................7 -13 Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Photograph by John Moran

Young boy riding down pav ed trail................................................................... Back Cover St. Marks Trail, Leon County Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection