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complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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Unit Name: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park<br />

Acres: 20,983.46 Managing<br />

Agency:<br />

Description:<br />

DRP<br />

Current Management Plan<br />

Approved:<br />

This park became <strong>Florida</strong>’s first state preserve in 1971. Exhibits and an audio-visual program at<br />

the visitor center explain the area’s natural and cultural history. A 50-foot-high observation tower<br />

near the visitor center provides a panoramic view <strong>of</strong> the Paynes Prairie Basin. Eight trails, including<br />

the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling.<br />

Family camping and picnicking are additional recreational opportunities provided at the park.<br />

Accomplishments:<br />

Resource Management<br />

• Initiated the restoration <strong>of</strong> Sweetwater Branch sheet flow to Paynes Prairie.<br />

Visitor Services<br />

• Recorded a 32 percent increase in attendance at La Chua trail from December 2008 to April<br />

2009 due to a peak sandhill crane migration (5000-7000 cranes over-wintered at the prairie).<br />

• Provided a new interpretive station on La Chua trail through support from the Friends <strong>of</strong> Paynes<br />

Prairie and volunteers.<br />

Other<br />

• Initiated a new special vent – “FireFest: Prescribed Fire Awareness Festival” held at the prairie<br />

in recognition <strong>of</strong> Prescribed Fire Awareness Week.<br />

• Volunteer Brent Rugh named a Governor’s Point <strong>of</strong> Light.<br />

• Acquired an additional 683 acres <strong>of</strong> land.<br />

Capital Improvements<br />

• Constructed interpretive boardwalk at Alachua Sink (which also improved public safety by<br />

separating visitors for alligators).<br />

• Installed a universally-accessible walkway from La Chua parking lot to the Alachua Sink<br />

boardwalk.<br />

257<br />

2002

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