Hiking the coastal scrub at Big Lagoon State Park, Pensacola
On December 8, the Florida Legislature approved and Governor Crist signed a resolution naming 2010 as the “Year of Florida State Parks.” What a contrast from a year ago when we were fighting to keep them open. In signing the resolution, the Governor stated:
“Florida State Parks not only preserve our state’s beautiful natural environment, but also contribute billions of dollars to state and local economies, and promote tourism to our great state. During the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks had an economic impact of nearly $1 billion and served more than 21.4 million visitors, illustrating the importance of these natural treasures to Florida’s residents, visitors and wildlife, as well as the beaches, waterways and forests that Florida State Parks protect.”
In all, Florida State Parks preserve and manage more than 700,000 acres of natural Florida for recreational and conservation purposes. For more details about the proclamation, see the full article from DEP.
Our award-winning park system celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2010, and I can think of no better way to enjoy a state park than to take a hike – most of them have one!
Here are more than 70 hikes you can enjoy in our Florida State Parks.
