SFWMD Governing Board Continues Efforts to Preserve the Everglades Headwaters of Shingle Creek
February 8, 2018
West Palm Beach, FL – The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board today approved another land purchase to help preserve the Shingle Creek Management Area in Orange and Osceola counties, which serves as the headwaters for Florida's Everglades.
"This Board remains steadfast in ensuring the health of the Everglades, and Shingle Creek is critical to achieving this goal," said SFWMD Governing Board Chairman and Orange County resident Dan O'Keefe. "Every parcel of property we can secure helps preserve Shingle Creek, which is an important step for the Everglades and a worthy investment in the future of our environment."
The Governing Board approved purchasing 3.61 acres from two willing sellers in Shingle Creek for $101,000. The District has been purchasing land around Shingle Creek for conservation since 1991 – originally, through the Save Our Rivers program and, subsequently, with mitigation funds – because of the creek's unique hydrologic function and environmental value for the Everglades. SFWMD now owns nearly 2,500 acres for conservation within Shingle Creek. Another 1,100 acres is privately owned.