the list of recommended projects eligible for purchase under 

 the State's Conservation and Recreation Lands Program. 



Therefore, on 20 May 1987, the Commission, in consultation 

 with its Committee of Scientific Advisors, wrote to the 

 Directors of the Department of Natural Resources and the Florida 

 Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, both of whom are members 

 of the State Lands Selection Committee. In its letters, the 

 Commission commended the State Committee for its accomplishments 

 in pursuing an integrated regional network of State and Federal 

 protected areas in northwest Florida and called attention to 

 the importance of the proposal developed by the group of Crystal 

 River residents for the regional manatee population. The 

 Commission also noted that, if these lands could be incorporated 

 into the evolving regional system of refuges and reserves, it 

 would represent an important contribution to joint State and 

 Federal efforts to ensure the long-term survival of this 

 endangered species. Therefore, the Commission urged the Com- 

 mittee to act favorably on the proposal. 



On 29 May 1987, the State Lands Selection Committee met 

 to consider, among other things, the proposed land acquisition, 

 which was named the St. Martins River Project. During its 

 meeting, the Commission's letter and other letters of support, 

 including one from the Manatee Technical Advisory Council, 

 were reviewed. The Committee gave tentative approval for 

 adding the proposed project to its recommended acquisition 

 list. In so doing, the Committee asked that the Florida 

 Division of State Lands prepare a detailed project design 

 identifying boundaries, land ownership, property values, etc., 

 for the St. Martins River acquisition project. Upon completion 

 of the project design in early 1988, it will be reviewed by 

 the Committee and a final listing decision made. At that 

 time, assuming final approval is granted, the St. Martins 

 River Project will be ranked against other listed projects to 

 determine its priority on the recommended acquisition list. 



Conclusion 



The population of West Indian manatees in Florida, which 

 may be the largest concentration of animals anywhere in the 

 species' range, is one of the most endangered marine mammals 

 in nearshore waters of the United States. Continued survival 

 of the population is in serious doubt, primarily because of 

 the continuing loss of essential habitat, the increasing number 

 of animals being killed and injured by collisions with boats, 

 and other pressures related to the rapidly growing human popula- 

 tion in Florida. The Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida 

 Department of Natural Resources, the Florida Power and Light 

 Company, the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, and 

 other cooperating agencies and private organizations have 

 made great progress in their efforts to deal with these prob- 



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