Take a virtual tour through some of Florida’s most outstanding coastal habitats
If you visit Florida this winter and have an outdoor frame of mind. The State’s Aquatic Preserves are stunning, pristine and very accessible. Many preserves have canoe and/or kayak rentals, as well as guided tours. Well worth the effort and a family memory never forgotten.
TALLAHASSEE
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Coastal Office presents an online interactive story map that takes visitors on a virtual tour of the state’s 41 aquatic preserves through pictures, videos and website links.
Florida’s aquatic preserves encompass approximately 2.2 million acres. All but four of these “submerged lands of exceptional beauty” are located along Florida’s 8,400 miles of coastline in the shallow waters of marshes and estuaries that serve as a critical nursery for many of the nation’s recreationally and commercially important fish and shellfish.
Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve is one of Florida’s 41 state preserves. This one easily accessed from Ft. Lauderdale, Miami or Naples, Florida.
“The aquatic preserve story map provides a captivating way for the public and government officials to learn about each aquatic preserve and the great things being accomplished by Florida Coastal Office staff and volunteers across the state,” said Chris Robertson, GIS coordinator for the Florida Coastal Office. “This map is an incredible tool that can be used to teach Florida residents about the natural beauty found right in their backyard.”
This interactive mapping project was created to educate the public about the diverse ecosystems found across the state and to encourage public support and community involvement in the aquatic preserves.
Approximately two-thirds of Floridians live in counties that border an aquatic preserve.
The creation of this interactive map takes promoting the aquatic preserves further than just handing out a pamphlet or pointing to a storyboard. It allows guests to get a closer look at the research, resource protection, education and community outreach that is taking place at each site. The map is hosted on the Florida DEP’s ArcGIS online gallery, found here . . .
About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Coastal Office
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Coastal Office (FCO) is responsible for oversight of the State’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It is the mission of FCO to conserve and restore Florida’s coastal resources for the benefit of people and the environment. For more information click here . . .
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Website . . . http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/
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Website . . .http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/da4503—
