Aripeka Sands Park Opens To Public
The GCC had sought to facilitate public purchase of the 210 acre Aripeka Sands property as part of the Greater Chassahowitzka Black bear population range. The parcel, originally slated for 235 residential units, is now permanently protected and open for the public to enjoy. We worked for several years to oppose development of the property.
New ownership along with a downturn in the real estate market enabled acquisition by the Pasco Environmental Lands Program in partnership with the SWFWMD. The diversity of habitat and presence of several imperiled species make it a key section of the Weeki Wachee Preserve's southern end.
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Land Acquisition
The Gulf Coast Conservancy is proud of its role in the expansion of the Nature Coast Greenway and Wildlife Corridor. As a result of acquisitions by federal, state, and local government agencies, more than 75,000 acres have been preserved in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties since 1992.
- With negotiation by the GCC in 1994, Oak Sound became the Weeki Wachee Preserve when an offer was made for the property by SWFWMD. Six thousand proposed homes and shops became a 7000 acre preserve.
- The GCC has proposed creation of Aripeka Coastal Greenway, identified member parcels to SWFWMD. Parcels are listed in their 5 year plan. Several parcels have been acquired with GCC serving as facilitator.
- Two parcels donated to the GCC were transferred to SWFWMD. The GCC proposed the ACG to the Hernando Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program and it was ranked in their Land Acquisition Program.
- The GCC has proposed parcels in the ACG to the Pasco ESL for acquisition. As a result of GCC facilitation, the 210 acre parcel known as Aripeka Heights was acquired in 2007 and 250 homes were not built in core bear habitat.
- We are continuing to work to complete the ACG as an extension of the Weeki Wachee Preserve.
Presence in the Community
- Press articles, radio programs.
- Partnerships with other organizations, Pascowildlife, Hernando Audubon, Gulf Restoration Network, Defenders of Wildlife.
- GCC board participation in State Parks Planning, and Environmental and Land Conservation initiatives.
- Planning Awards from the Sons of Norway, Conservation Group of the Year from the Land Trust Alliance, Florida Greenways Commission Grant.
- Service on the Interagency Bear Working Group, Hernando Environmental Sensitive Lands Committee, Pasco ELASC, River Task Force, Pasco County Greenways, Trails & Blueways Advisory Committee.
- Testified before Hernando and Pasco Development Review, Planning and Zoning, and Boards of County Commissioners to insure habitat preservation is considered in land use decisions.
- Initiated an Ecotourism program for Hernando County.
- Participation in events: Swampfest, Umatilla Bear Festival, Crystal River National Wildlife Celebration, Crews Lake Earth Day Celebrations.
- Supported larger sanctuary for manatees in Homosassa in 2001.
- Educational presentations for civic groups and at yearly public meetings.
- Chosen by FFWC to Beta Test new software.
