Suggestions sought for Silver Glen Springs
(joint news release with U.S. Forest Service)

November 13, 2009
Contact:  Heather Callahan-Frebe (USFS), 352-669-3153

The U.S. Forest Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are seeking public input on a long-term management plan being developed for the Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest.  The goals are to provide for compatible recreational use and the health and safety of visitors, while protecting the spring's natural and cultural resources.

"We're looking for specific comments, ideas or experiences about what people want in terms of desired conditions in the run and adjacent lands, including impacts or activities that should be avoided, to help us develop a long-term management plan for the area," said U.S. Forest Service Staff Officer Carl Petrick, who oversees ecosystems management plans across the national forests in Florida, including the Ocala National Forest.

There is no proposal at this time, but comments are being sought on the public's desired uses, opportunities, issues and concerns.  Interested groups or individuals can e-mail their comments to the U.S. Forest Service at comments-southern-florida-lakegeorge@fs.fed.us. 

The request for input follows a Nov. 10 public meeting the FWC held on the subject in DeLand. Information on topics discussed at the workshop is posted at MyFWC.com/Boating.

The Ocala National Forest manages the land area around the spring as the Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, but hopes to establish a single recreational area that includes the upland and water areas as one recreational site. 

"We want people to help us by providing their input, so together, we can develop more meaningful management plans that will facilitate improving the area for all our users," Petrick said.

The FWC will continue to assist the U.S. Forest Service in working with interested stakeholders to hold additional workshops to build broad support for any changes in the area.