Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Okeechobee Scenic Trail Opens

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Outdoor enthusiasts today have 62 more miles of natural
Florida to explore around the liquid heart of Florida. Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille joined federal,
state and local officials to cut the ribbon on more than 60 paved miles
along the 110-mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail.



"This unique trail increases access to the great outdoors and one of Florida
's treasured liquid gems," said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. "While
traversing picturesque landscapes, the trail takes bikers, hikers and
horseback riders through rural Florida, bringing economic benefits to the
surrounding communities along the trail."



The 110-mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail circles the second largest
freshwater lake in the contiguous United States. The trail is located atop
the Herbert Hoover Dike, which surrounds the lake providing flood protection
and scenic lakeside views.



The new paved trail runs 26 miles between the Port Mayaca and Okeetantee
Park at the Kissimmee River, and another 36 miles from Alvin Ward Park to
City Park in Pahokee. Signs along the trail direct outdoor enthusiasts to
environmentally and culturally significant points of interest.





Under construction since 2002, the $13 million trail takes users through
communities at the heart of Florida's agriculture industry including
Clewiston and Belle Glade. The hiking, biking and equine trail affords
opportunities for viewing wildlife such as herons, egrets and a variety of
wintering waterfowl. The area surrounding the lake also has a rich history
of inhabitants dating back to the Creek and Seminole Indians in the 18th and
19th centuries.



The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is a partnership between DEP, the Florida
Department of Transportation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Trails
Association and local partners. In 1993, portions of the trail were
designated as part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, one of only eight
national scenic trails in the U.S.




More than four thousand miles of trails cross Florida's diverse landscape
through rural and urban areas. Over the last five years, the State added
nearly 450 miles of trails to its system of greenways and trails. Each year,
the state invests $4.5 million through Florida Forever to purchase land for
future trail areas and build and maintain Florida's greenways and trails.




The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is a partnership between DEP, the Florida
Department of Transportation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Trails
Association and local partners. In 1993, portions of the trail were
designated as part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, one of only eight
national scenic trails in the U.S.




More than four thousand miles of trails cross Florida's diverse landscape
through rural and urban areas. Over the last five years, the State added
nearly 450 miles of trails to its system of greenways and trails. Each year,
the state invests $4.5 million through Florida Forever to purchase land for
future trail areas and build and maintain Florida's greenways and trails.



The 110-mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail circles the second largest
freshwater lake in the contiguous United States. The trail is located atop
the Herbert Hoover Dike, which surrounds the lake providing flood protection
and scenic lakeside views.



The new paved trail runs 26 miles between the Port Mayaca and Okeetantee
Park at the Kissimmee River, and another 36 miles from Alvin Ward Park to
City Park in Pahokee. Signs along the trail direct outdoor enthusiasts to
environmentally and culturally significant points of interest.



Under construction since 2002, the $13 million trail takes users through
communities at the heart of Florida's agriculture industry including
Clewiston and Belle Glade. The hiking, biking and equine trail affords
opportunities for viewing wildlife such as herons, egrets and a variety of
wintering waterfowl. The area surrounding the lake also has a rich history
of inhabitants dating back to the Creek and Seminole Indians in the 18th and
19th centuries.




The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is a partnership between DEP, the Florida
Department of Transportation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Trails
Association and local partners. In 1993, portions of the trail were
designated as part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, one of only eight
national scenic trails in the U.S.



More than four thousand miles of trails cross Florida's diverse landscape
through rural and urban areas. Over the last five years, the State added
nearly 450 miles of trails to its system of greenways and trails. Each year,
the state invests $4.5 million through Florida Forever to purchase land for
future trail areas and build and maintain Florida's greenways and trails.


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