A message from the President:

Dear CTF Members and Friends,

Welcome to the first newsletter of the Conservation Trust for Florida. A special thank you to our 73 new members. With your generous support the Conservation Trust for Florida is off to a running start. Although CTF is new, we have already made some major strides in developing a strong voice for conserving rural lands. As with any such undertaking, two items are essential: public support and money. You have shown that both are available for open space protection of rural lands in Florida, and we thank you.

The first CTF project was the proposal of two parcels for acquisition under the Alachua County Forever Program. At present, these are ranked number one and two. Other projects we are pursuing include preservation of the Orange Lake Overlook on SR 441 in Marion County, and a major corridor connection, the San Felasco/Santa Fe Corridor Project in Alachua County; more detail on these is offered below. We recently joined the Land Trust Alliance, which provides technical support, information, skills, and the resources that individual land trusts need. A strategic planning meeting was held the end of January to develop guidelines for operation and set goals for the next year. We are lining up speaking engagements and exhibit opportunities for the coming year to spread the word about our organization.

If you know of landowners or developers who might be interested in learning more about various options regarding protection of their land, please let us know, or have them contact us. Thanks again for your support. Please pass the word and get your friends to join our efforts to identify and protect Florida's special rural lands!

Sincerely,

Mike Campbell, President

What's happening at CTF?

Old Florida Forever Barbecue and Startup Celebration

On December 9, 2001, our Old Florida Forever Barbecue and Startup Celebration at the historic Carr Farm near Micanopy celebrated the public unveiling of the Conservation Trust for Florida. Some 150 people enjoyed the rural ambiance of this beautiful piece of Florida. Hay rides, live music, a clogging demonstration, information about land protection, and a silent auction accented the best barbecued pork in anyone's memory! Complimented by a full assortment of side dishes, drinks, and devilish desserts, it was a feast worthy of the landscape. Much-needed rain held off just long enough for everyone to enjoy themselves and to see who's bids were successful for a large array of auction items, including original art, music, a kayaking excursion, live plants, books, jams & jellies, and even a weekend at the Carr Cabin! Al Burt, local author and keynote speaker, presented a very inspirational talk; click here to see a transcript: http://www.conserveflorida.org/barbq.html

City Commission Supports SFSF Wildlife Corridor Project

The Conservation Trust for Florida is collaborating with the Santa Fe Land Trust, Inc. to establish the San Felasco/Santa Fe Wildlife Corridor Project, an ambitious and exciting effort that would connect the San Felasco Hammock with the Santa Fe River through a roughly 10-mile corridor of protected working lands. The project in northern Alachua County went before the Alachua City Commission for a resolution of support from the City, and Commissioners voted 4-0 in support The resolution will assist in taking the project to the next level; seeking grants from County and State programs to purchase easements.

The Gainesville Sun recently provided coverage of CTF, introducing us to a larger segment of the North Central Florida region. Click here to read Ron Matus' report: http://www.sunone.com/articles/2001-12-16c.html.

To read an article about this project that appeared in the Alachua Post online publication click here: http://www.alachuapost.com/index.php?CurrentArticle=553.

For information on a tax-deductible membership to support the Conservation Trust for Florida, via our web site here: http://www.conserveflorida.org/join.html.

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