The Commission's Vision of Florida's Statewide Greenways System

In the 21 st century, Florida has a protected system of greenways that is planned and managed to conserve native landscapes, ecosystems and their species; and to connect people to the land and their archaeological, historic and cultural resources. From Key West to Pensacola, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, people in Florida are within a few minutes of a system of greenways that they can traverse via foot, bicycle, horse or canoe. Some greenways are public lands and others are private lands, and still others are combinations of the two. All are nurtured by public/private partnerships. Through the efforts of private citizens, local, state and federal governments, private nonprofit organizations, and businesses, Florida has a carefully planned greenways system that interconnects fragmented or isolated elements of green infrastructure, and that connects people with their natural, historic and cultural heritage. Parks and open spaces are linked, where appropriate, by multi-use corridors that provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, canoeing, alternative transportation and use by persons with disabilities. Florida's history and geography come alive as users explore old trails, roads, canals, rivers and archaeological sites. Preserved historic homes, museums and monuments along the way provide a link to Florida's roots. Florida's diverse wildlife species are able to move between feeding and shelter areas within their ranges with less danger of being killed on roadways or becoming lost in towns or cities. Native landscapes and ecosystems are protected, managed, and restored through strong public and private partnerships. Sensitive riverine and coastal waterways are effectively protected by buffers of green, open space and working landscapes. Florida's system of greenways has created new enthusiasm for the state's natural, recreational and cultural/historic resources by connecting people to the land. Through a series of rural and urban greenway experiences, children and adults are able to learn about Florida's fragile environment and the benefits of conservation. Greenways create a strong sense of place, community and multi-cultural appreciation by connecting land and communities. Conservation and recreation groups, public agencies, landowners, companies and dedicated individuals support Florida's greenways system through strong partnerships because of mutual benefits. Respect for private property rights, local community concerns and public lands are hallmarks of the greenways effort. Local, regional and state resources such as mapping and planning programs are shared and made available to help create community greenways. Florida's rich system of greenways helps sustain Florida's future by conserving its green infrastructure, by providing continuing economic benefits, by connecting people with their natural, historic and cultural heritage, and by improving the quality of life for people. A Statewide System of Greenways While greenways are important conservation and recreation areas in and of themselves, what sets the greenways concept apart from other initiatives is its emphasis on connections. The Commission's mission is to create a system of greenways for Florida, a green infrastructure as carefully planned and as well funded as our built infrastructure (like electric power and transportation systems). That doesn't mean the state should forge connections for connections' sake alone. Nor does it mean that the focus on conservation land acquisition should shift from protecting large, functioning ecological preserves to protecting greenways. Greenways is not a "connect-the-dots" concept applied without justifiable ecological or human need. But often, connecting greenways and core reserves results in a system that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. A healthy, well-functioning system can support wildlife communities and provide innumerable benefits to Florida's people, as well.   The word greenway brings tomind two images: green suggests forests, fish and wildlife, river floodplains, and linear open spaces that generally are greener than adjacent lands; way implies a route or path. But greenways are really many colors ... blue waterways, earthcolored working landscapes, gray urban corridors. Together they describe corridors that cross a variety of landscapes, ranging from pristine natural areas to landscapes transformed by human habitation. Greenways Systems A greenways system is composed of large hubs, links and smaller sites made up of natural, historical, cultural, and recreational features. The hubs anchor the system and provide an origin or destination for people and wildlife moving to or through it. Hubs come in many different sizes, from large protected reserves to smaller regional parks and preserves. Links are the connections that enable the system to work. They range in size and function from large landscape linkages to smaller conservation and recreational corridors. Sites are smaller features that serve as points of origin or destination but are not always linked with hubs or with each other.