2005 Annual Report - Northeast Florida Regional Council

EnvironmentProtection of natural resources of regional significanceEnvironmental preservation efforts of the CouncilSt. Johns American Heritage River /St. Johns River AllianceThe Council continues to support the efforts of the St. Johns River AmericanHeritage River Initiative. The St. Johns River was officially designatedan American Heritage River on July 30, 1998, in recognition of itsecological, historic, economic and cultural significance. The St. JohnsRiver Alliance, a public/private partnership, officiallyobtained not-for-profit designation during 2004.During 2005, the long awaited documentary on the St. Johns River “TheRiver Runs North” was completed. This documentary was funded by the local communities within the River Basinand by the St. Johns River Water ManagementDistrict. This documentary will be shown duringnumerous fund raising events held throughout theSt. Johns River basin over the next six months.These events will help further river awareness, fundrestoration projects and further the Alliance Missionof promoting the St. Johns River.Southern Passages: the Atlantic Heritage CoastSouthern Passages is a three-state partnership between the public sector and private sector, cultural and heritageadvocates, and other stakeholders to stimulate economic development opportunities through increased tourism.Over the past year this effort has enhanced the ability to communicate information between the various stakeholders.A number of marketing pieces are in the development stages including a tri-state brochure and redesign of theSouthern Passages Web site. The three-state coordinating boards have been meeting to develop individual stateefforts to support the entire Southern Passages effort. In October, the Southern Passages Board of Directors met fortwo days in Orange Park to discuss funding opportunities and future projects to further market Southern Passages tovisitors and residents.18