Solid waste problem areas are identified in Tables EIR 1 and EIR 2 (Data 

 Appendix). These sites have high nitrate concentrations, low DO, and exces- 

 sive aquatic plant growth. 



Future Trends 



The increasing population in Northwest Florida will cause further habitat 

 alteration. A case study in the multiple-use conflicts paper of this report 

 examines potential developments planned for the St. George Barrier Island in 

 Franklin County. Rapid growth and housing development along coastal wetlands 

 will likely increase stress on natural systems there. Franklin County has 

 recently closed extensive Class II fishing grounds due to high coliform 

 counts. These trends can be averted with adequate planning for pollution 

 abatement prior to large scale urban or industrial development. More inten- 

 sive agricultural and sil vicul tural practices in Northwest Florida will likely 

 lead to more monoculture and further draining of wetlands that help sustain 

 the coastal fisheries. The loss of major wetlands to pasture, crops, and 

 urbanization could endanger the thriving commercial and sport fisheries in the 

 area. 



Other Significant Biological Resources 



The endangered and threatened species (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphi- 

 bians, and plants) are listed in Tables EIR 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, and 52 

 (Data Appendix). 



Public Ownership of Land 



Extensive tracts of land, owned by both Federal and State Governments, 

 are used for various purposes. These include military reservations, such as 

 the Eglin Air Force Base in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties and the 

 vast holdings of the Apalachicola National Forest throughout the Franklin 

 County area. Numerous other tracts are used for the U.S. Navy, and Federal 

 and State public forests, such as the Osceola and Cary State Forests, and 

 other areas judged to be sensitive habitat, warrant purchase by the State 

 under its Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (Figure 2). 



Environmentally Endangered Lands Program 



In Northwest Florida the three environmentally endangered lands are 

 Perdido Island (Key), Little St. George Island and the Lower Apalachicola 

 River Basin. More similar purchases are being considered. 



Aquatic Preserves 



Northwest Florida has an abundance of highly productive and well-pro- 

 tected preserves including the Ft. Pickens State Park, the Yellow River Marsh, 

 Rocky Bayou State Park, St. Andrews Park, St. Josephs Bay, Apalachicola Bay, 

 and Alligator Harbor. 



Aquatic preserves are administered by the Department of Natural Resources 

 as set forth in the Florida Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975. It states in part: 



258 



