NWRA, Friends of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

For Immediate Release
September 10, 2008
Contact: Evan Hirsche - NWRA
(202) 333-9075
Lace Blue-McLean - Friends
(352) 201-0149
NWRA, Friends of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Celebrate Florida Forever
Grant Award to Three Sisters Springs Project
Crystal River, FL -- The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) and the Friends of Chassahowitzka
National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Friends) applaud the Florida Communities Trust for awarding a $6.3
million Florida Forever grant in support of the Three Sisters Springs conservation effort in Crystal River,
Florida. Three Sisters Springs was one of 18 local land acquisition efforts that received a total of $73 million in
funding this year.
The Florida Forever grant marks a major milestone in a unique and ambitious land acquisition effort that has
brought together a host of partners, including federal, state, county and city agencies, private conservation
groups, citizens groups, and private donors. The Friends and NWRA have been at the forefront of this project,
working to galvanize these diverse partners.
“We are delighted by the strong support from the Florida Communities Trust,” said Evan Hirsche, President of
the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “This grant helps demonstrate that conserving the Three Sisters
Springs has enormous value to the community of Crystal River, as well as its national significance in sustaining
habitat for endangered manatees.”
Lace Blue-McLean, President of the Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Complex, added,
“This grant helps us to build greater momentum in our campaign to save the Three Sisters Springs.
Commitment by the Florida Communities Trust sends a message to other federal, county and private funding
partners that their dollars will be significantly leveraged to achieve a greater conservation outcome.”
The Three Sisters Springs property includes a complex of three pristine springs that feed into Kings Bay and the
headwaters of the Crystal River. This area is known for its vibrant fishery, and the warm water springs provide
critical winter habitat for the endangered West Indian (Florida) manatee. Originally slated for development,
conservation groups now have the opportunity to permanently conserve the 57-acre property – if over $14
million can be raised within the next 12 months. With the Florida Forever grant, more that $10 million has been
committed to the project to date, with $4 million yet to be secured from both public and private sources.
Critical to the success of the project has been support from U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, U.S. Rep. Ginny BrownWaite, State Senator Mike Fasano, State Senator Charles S. Dean and State Rep. Ron Schultz. In addition to
NWRA and the Friends, active supporters of the Three Sisters Springs project include: The Conservation Fund,
the Southwest Florida Water Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Felburn Foundation, the
Citrus County Board of Commissioners, the City of Crystal River, Save the Manatee Club, Crystal River
Waterfronts Board, and the Citrus County Tourist Development Council. The project also has a broad based
community support, which includes business owners, civic and environmental organizations as well as folks
from across the county and the world.
To support this exciting project, visit www.friendsofchazz.org and click on “3-Sisters Donations.”
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge Association is to conserve America’s wildlife heritage for future generations through
strategic programs that protect, enhance, and expand the National Wildlife Refuge System and the landscapes beyond its boundaries
that secure its ecological integrity.
The mission of the Friends of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Complex is:
• Conserving, protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people;
• Supporting the stewardship of the National Wildlife Refuge System;
• Promoting a better awareness, appreciation, conservation and responsible utilization of the Refuge Complex;
• Promoting the preservation of the natural and historical resources of the Refuges, foster their use and enjoyment by the
public consistent with the protection and preservation of the environment, and engage in such educational, scientific and
civic activities to assist the Refuges.