The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and Volusia County Government scored another win in the effort to expand conservation areas within the county. They teamed up to add another 1,276 acres to the existing 3,321-acre Palm Bluff Conservation Area in Osteen.
The agencies will celebrate with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 8, at the Palm Bluff entrance, 1275 State Road 415, Osteen.
The purchase, funded by the voter approved Volusia Forever program and the St. Johns River Water Management District, includes newly acquired land and a conservation easement that connects with the Volusia Conservation Corridor, which is part of the larger Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Palm Bluff is managed by the SJRWMD. Under the cost-sharing agreement, Volusia Forever contributed $1.3 million and the SJRWMD provided $1.1 million.
Once a working cattle ranch, Palm Bluff is now home to an ecologically sensitive mix of forest and wetlands that are important for preservation, habitat protection, recreational use and groundwater recharge. It also protects more than two miles of Deep Creek, a large tributary of the St. Johns River, and includes a 2.2-mile natural trail loop that is enjoyed by hikers, bicyclers, birdwatchers, equestrians and campers.
The public is invited to the ribbon cutting. Two or more members of the Volusia County Council and Volusia Forever Advisory Committee will attend.
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