DOCSLIB.ORG

Myakka River State Park

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Myakka River State Park Acquisition and Restoration Council Draft Unit Management Plan STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Division of Recreation and Parks June 2018 Executive Summary Lead Agency: Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks Common Name of Property: Myakka River State Park Location: Sarasota and Manatee counties Acreage: 37,198.91 Acres Acreage Breakdown Natural Communities Acres Mesic Flatwoods 3766.16 Dry Prairie 14771.03 Mesic Hammock 673.43 Scrubby Flatwoods 182.44 Sinkhole 1.98 Basin Swamp 994.75 Baygall 293.40 Depression Marsh 6788.86 Dome Swamp 8.91 Floodplain Marsh 1181.81 River Floodplain Lake 1218.09 Blackwater Stream 142.57 Developed 75.03 Canal/Ditch 7.70 Artificial Pond 27.00 Abandoned Field 48.96 Abandoned Pasture 565.73 Spoil Area 3.14 Utility Corridor 96.57 Lease/Management Agreement Number: 2324 Use: Single Use Management Responsibilities Agency: Dept. of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks Responsibility: Public Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Designated Land Use: Public outdoor recreation and conservation is the designated single use of the property. Sublease: None Encumbrances: None 1 Executive Summary Unique Features Overview: Myakka River State Park is located east of Sarasota in Sarasota and Manatee Counties Access to the park is from Interstate 75, exit 205 (State Road 72); the entrance is 9 miles east on State Road 72/Clark Rd. The park centers around Myakka River. The park was initially acquired in 1934. Currently, the park comprises 37,198.91 acres. The purpose of Myakka River State Park is to preserve the natural beauty, wildlife, and historical features of the property, to serve as an important link in the chain of protected lands in the southern portion of the state, and to provide outstanding outdoor recreation and natural resource interpretation for the benefit of the people of Florida. Myakka River State Park is one of the oldest and largest units in the Florida State Park system and is one of the nine ”New Deal” era parks constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Under the unit classification system, the park is classified as a state park. Natural: Thirty-four miles of the Myakka River, including all 12 miles within the state park boundaries, were designated by the Florida legislature in 1985 as a State Wild and Scenic River. The Myakka River is the only river in Florida to receive state recognition for its “outstandingly remarkable ecological, fish and wildlife, and recreational values.” The park protects nearly 15,000 acres of Florida dry prairie, a globally imperiled natural community endemic to the state. The park provides habitat for numerous imperiled wildlife species, including Audubon’s crested caracara, Sherman’s fox squirrel, the Florida black bear, and the Florida panther. Archaeological/Historic: Myakka River State Park contains recorded and unrecorded remnants of the early 20th century cattle ranching industry and features associated with CCC park development and occupation during the late 1930s to early 1940s. Management Goals, Objectives and Actions Measurable objectives and actions have been identified for each of the Division’s management goals for Myakka River State Park. Please refer to the Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates in the Implementation Component of this plan for a consolidated spreadsheet of the recommended actions, measures of progress, target year for completion and estimated costs to fulfill the management goals and objectives of this park. While, the Division of Recreation and Parks utilizes the ten-year management plan to serve as the basic statement of policy and future direction for each park, a number of annual work plans provide more specific guidance for DRP staff to accomplish many of the resource management goals and objectives of the park. Where such detailed planning is appropriate to the character and scale of the park’s natural resources, annual work plans are developed for 2 Executive Summary prescribed fire management, exotic plant management and imperiled species management. Annual or longer-term work plans are developed for natural community restoration and hydrological restoration. The work plans provide the DRP with crucial flexibility in its efforts to generate and implement adaptive resource management practices in the state park system. The work plans are reviewed and updated annually. Through this process, the DRP’s resource management strategies are systematically evaluated to determine their effectiveness. The process and the information collected is used to refine techniques, methodologies and strategies, and ensures that each park’s prescribed management actions are monitored and reported as required by Chapters 253.034 and 259.037, Florida Statutes. The goals, objectives and actions identified in this management plan will serve as the basis for developing annual work plans for the park. Since the plan is based on conditions that exist at the time the plan is developed, the annual work plans will provide the flexibility needed to adapt to future conditions as they change during the ten-year management planning cycle. As the park’s annual work plans are implemented through the ten-year cycle, it may become necessary to adjust the management plan’s priority schedules and cost estimates to reflect these changing conditions. Natural Resource Management Hydrological Management Goal: Protect water quality and quantity in the park, restore hydrology to the extent feasible and maintain the restored condition. Objective: Conduct/obtain an assessment of the park’s hydrological restoration needs. Natural Communities Management Goal: Restore and maintain the natural communities/habitats of the park. Objective: Within 10 years, have 26,074 acres of the park maintained within the optimum fire return interval. Objective: Conduct upland habitat/natural community restoration activities on 2,000 acres of Florida dry prairie, mesic flatwoods and scrubby flatwoods communities over the next 10 years. Objective: Develop a plan for Florida dry prairie restoration of the abandoned pasture south of State Road 72 that identifies priorities, feasibility, and partnership/funding opportunities. Objective: Conduct aquatic habitat restoration activities on 880 acres of river floodplain lake. Objective: Develop a desired future conditions map using historical data including pre-settlement land survey plat maps and notes for the area and interpret 1940s aerial photography. 3 Executive Summary Imperiled Species Management Goal: Maintain, improve or restore imperiled species populations and habitats in the park. Objective: Periodically update imperiled species occurrence inventory lists for plants and animals. Objective: Monitor and document 55 selected imperiled animal species in the park. Objective: Monitor and document 17 selected imperiled plant species in the park. Exotic Species Management Goal: Remove exotic and invasive plants and animals from the park and conduct needed maintenance control. Objective: Annually treat a minimum of 45 infested acres (300 gross acres) of exotic plant species in the park. Objective: Implement control measures on three exotic animal species in the park. Cultural Resource Management Cultural Resource Management Goal: Protect, preserve and maintain the cultural resources of the park. Objective: Assess and evaluate 41 of 41 recorded cultural resources in the park. Objective: Compile reliable documentation for all recorded historic and archaeological sites. Objective: Bring 14 of 41 recorded cultural resources into good condition. Ten-Year Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates: See Table 7, pages 145-149. Acquisition Needs/Acreage: Approximately 5,000 acres has been identified as desirable for addition to Myakka River State Park. These recommended additions will aid hydrologic restoration efforts and protect the Myakka Wild and Scenic River corridor. Identified property also includes the headwaters of both Deer Prairie Slough and Mossy Hammock Slough. Hydrological restoration of these wetlands is essential for successful restoration of thousands of acres of dry prairie in the park. Acquisition of the parcels would also provide a critical buffer from potential agricultural or urban development near the park. Surplus Lands/Acreage: No lands are considered surplus to the needs of the park. 4 Executive Summary Public Involvement: DRP provided an opportunity for public input by conducting a public workshop and an Advisory Group meeting to present the draft management plan to the public. These meetings were held on March 2 and 3, 2017 respectively. Meeting notices were published in the Florida Administrative Register [2/20/17, VOL 43/34], included on the Department Internet Calendar, posted in clear view at the park, and promoted locally. The purpose of the Advisory Group meeting is to provide the Advisory Group members an opportunity to discuss the draft management plan (see Appendix 2). Summary of Significant Changes in the Management Plan Update Change in Land Use and Recreation Goals: Myakka River State Park is truly one of the Florida State Park System’s flagship parks. Over the long-term gradual redevelopment of the park is needed. A series of public workshops and key stakeholder meetings will be held to develop a new conceptual master plan for the park. The conceptual master plan will be used to guide implementation of the proposed improvements and additions. New recreational opportunities and facilities
Recommended publications
  • Reflections on a Young Earth Creationist' Approach to Scientific

    Reflections on a Young Earth Creationist' Approach to Scientific

    Reflections on a Young Earth Creationist’ Approach to Scientific Apologetics JUNE 15, 2015 BY JOEL DUFF A few weeks ago I was a scheduled to present several lectures as part of a course offered by Veritas Theological Seminary in Santa Ana, California. The course title was Scientific Apologetics: The Age of the Earth. The course was split 50/50 between speakers from Solid Rock Lectures including myself, and two prominent employees of Answers in Genesis. However, just hours before I was to present I was informed by the seminary president that I would not be allowed to speak. I had spent the previous two evenings listening to 11 hours of presentations by the AiG speakers and was prepared to respond to that material in addition to pulling together the strands of thought begun by my colleagues earlier in the week. Though I was thwarted from speaking – why this happened is a topic to explore in a future post – I spent time writing down some reflections on the course material presented by the Answers in Genesis speakers. I was able to have these reflections given to the students in addition to some of the other reading materials that I had already prepared. I have returned to my reflections originally written hastily in the very early hours of the morning. I have edited them for clarity and provided a few more examples. I am providing that edited version below as a small – 3000 word – glimpse into the world of creation apologetics. Does the evidence point to a young earth? A few observations.
  • MANATEE COUNTY 11>>^ 25'00" FEATURES in COOPERATIONWITHTHE 2 PREPARED BYTHE MAY, 2007 660,000 Ft

    MANATEE COUNTY 11>>^ 25'00" FEATURES in COOPERATIONWITHTHE 2 PREPARED BYTHE MAY, 2007 660,000 Ft

    82^45' 82^20' 82^05' 82^40' 82^35' 82^00' 82^10' 82^15' 82^30' 82^25' 520,000 480,000 540,000 580,000 620,000 560,000 600,000 460,000 500,000 640,000 440,000 420,000 ft. 660,000 ft . R 16 E R 17 E R 18 E R 19 E R 20 E R 21 E R 22 E 27^40' H I L L S B O R O U G H C O U N T Y 27^40' TO MULBERRY TO TAMPA TO TAMPA TO TAMPA TO PLANT CITY P O L K C O. Piney AIRPORT P Point 6 MANATEE 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 P 6 1 P Port P 5 4 3 2 1 6 6 5 4 3 2 1 1,200,000 ft. Curiosity 5 4 3 2 1 1,200,000 ft. Manatee 5 93A Branch Piney Pt. P Slough 12 75 Branch TO ST. PETERSBURG Little Redfish Cr. 8 9 11 12 7 8 9 7 10 11 12 10 7 8 9 10 10 7 8 9 11 12 11 12 Fork 7 8 9 10 11 Moody Branch 12 Cr. 43 Baker HARBOR 39 KEY Hells Half 301 Little Acre 13 Sawgrass MARIPOSA 17 13 18 17 16 15 14 13 16 15 14 18 R. KEY 14 Bishop 13 18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15 14 13 T 33S Harbor 18 17 16 15 14 13 14 Long B 37 6 Little HORSESHOE Big Clamp Sand River T 33 S KEY Bayou 20 Sawgrass TO WAUCHULA TERRA CEIA AQUATIC PRESERVE JOE 19 Parrie Manatee WP 21 19 20 23 24 23 ISLAND 23 22 23 24 21 22 Gamble 20 24 19 20 21 Creek 22 23 19 21 22 19 20 River 24 Canal Creek 24 62 21 22 23 24 62 22 SKYWAY FISHING PIER 27^35' Br.
  • Kingsnakems RWM

    Kingsnakems RWM

    Godley et al. !1 Ecology of the Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) at Rainey Slough, Florida: A Vanished Eden J. STEVE GODLEY1, BRIAN J. HALSTEAD", AND ROY W. MCDIARMID# $Cardno, 3905 Crescent Park Drive, Riverview, FL, 33578, USA "U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA #U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Smithsonian Institution, MRC 111 PO Box 37012, Washington, DC, 20013, USA CORRESPONDENCE: email, [email protected] RRH: ECOLOGY OF KINGSNAKES !1 Godley et al. !2 ABSTRACT: The Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) is an important component and predator in herpetofaunal communities, but many of its populations have declined precipitously in the last few decades, particularly in the southeastern USA. Here, we describe an intensive mark–recapture study of L. getula conducted from 1974–1978 in a canal bank–water hyacinth community at Rainey Slough in southern Florida, where we also quantitatively sampled their primary prey, other species of snakes. The best-fit model for L. getula was an open population with a high daily capture probability (0.189) and low apparent annual survival (0.128) that were offset by high recruitment and positive population growth rates, suggesting a high turnover rate in the population. Mean population size varied annually from 11–19 adult kingsnakes with a total predator biomass of 8.20–14.16 kg in each study year. At this site kingsnakes were susceptible to capture mostly in winter and spring, were diurnal, used rodent (Sigmodon hispidus) burrows on canal banks as nocturnal retreats, and emerged from burrows on 0.13–0.26 of the sampling days.
  • Recommended Minimum Flows for the Lower Peace River and Proposed Minimum Flows Lower Shell Creek, Draft Report

    Recommended Minimum Flows for the Lower Peace River and Proposed Minimum Flows Lower Shell Creek, Draft Report

    Recommended Minimum Flows for the Lower Peace River and Proposed Minimum Flows Lower Shell Creek, Draft Report November 30, 2020 Recommended Minimum Flows for the Lower Peace River and Proposed Minimum Flows for Lower Shell Creek, Draft Report November 30, 2020 Yonas Ghile, PhD, PH, Lead Hydrologist XinJian Chen, PhD, PE, Chief Professional Engineer Douglas A. Leeper, MFLs Program Lead Chris Anastasiou, PhD, Chief Water Quality Scientist Kristina Deak, PhD, Staff Environmental Scientist Southwest Florida Water Management District 2379 Broad Street Brooksville, Florida 34604-6899 The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability. This nondiscrimination policy involves every aspect of the District’s functions, including access to and participation in the District’s programs, services, and activities. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation, or who would like information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities, as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act, should contact Donna Eisenbeis, Sr. Performance Management Professional, at 2379 Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34604-6899; telephone (352) 796-7211 or 1-800- 423-1476 (FL only), ext. 4706; or email [email protected]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). If requested, appropriate auxiliary aids and services will be provided at any public meeting, forum, or event of the District. In the event of a complaint, please follow the grievance procedure located at WaterMatters.org/ADA. i Table of Contents Acronym List Table......................................................................................................... vii Conversion Unit Table ..................................................................................................
  • 2001 SWFWMD Land Acquisition Plan

    2001 SWFWMD Land Acquisition Plan

    Five-Year Land Acquisition Plan 2001 SWFWMD i Land Acquisition Five-Year Plan 2001 Southwest Florida Water Management District Five-Year Land Acquisition Plan 2001 If a disabled individual wishes to obtain the information contained in this document in another form, please contact Cheryl Hill at 1-800-423-1476, extension 4452; TDD ONLY 1-800-231-6103; FAX (352)754-68771 ii Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction and History 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 1 Save Our Rivers 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 1 Preservation 2000 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 1 Florida Forever 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 3 Selection and Evaluation Process 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 5 Less-Than-Fee Acquisitions 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 10 Partnerships 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 13 Surplus Lands111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 16 Land Use/Management Activities111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 17 Management Planning 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 17 Land Use Implementation 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
  • Chapter 6 City of North Port Comprehensive Plan ______Recreation & Open Space

    Chapter 6 City of North Port Comprehensive Plan ______Recreation & Open Space

    CHAPTER 6 CITY OF NORTH PORT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ____________________________________ RECREATION & OPEN SPACE Recreation and Open Space Element Table of Contents Chapter 6 Recreation & Open Space Page Introduction 6-3 Needs and Priorities 6-4 Relationship to the EAR 6-4 Parks and Recreation Master Plan 6-5 Parks and Recreation Division Recommendations 6-10 Local Option One Percent Infrastructure Surtax 6-11 Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Master Plan 6-12 Other Recreational Opportunities 6-16 List of Illustrations TABLES 6-1 Parks Inventory 6-18 Goals, Objectives, & Policies 6-21 Maps follow GOP’s Map 6-1 Parks 6-2 Recreation and Open Space Element RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Introduction The management of City-owned parks, recreational amenities and open space has undergone significant change since the 1997 10-year update of the City of North Port’s Comprehensive Plan. In 1997, the population of North Port was 16,708, by 2008, the City’s population had more than tripled to 56,316 (Bureau of Economic and Business Research estimate). The City’s explosive growth within that period of time is attributable to the large numbers of young families who moved to the City because of its affordable housing and good schools. As a consequence of this continuing trend, the average age of a typical resident has fallen from the 50s to the mid- to late 30s. Under the terms of the City’s 1993 Interlocal Agreement with Sarasota County Government, the City’s recreational programs, activities and facilities had been consolidated and placed under the direction of the County.
  • Apologetic Resources

    Apologetic Resources

    APOLOGETIC RESOURCES A Young Earth ministry perspective, namely contrasting Scripture to true science now and during the ages. By Dr. Jim Pagels [email protected] 9/2016 Editor Dr. John Fricke, Emeritus Professor of Biology, Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Copyright This book is offered as an educational resource on a no cost basis. Contents are not to be reproduced for the purpose of sale. Note that all Scriptural passages are taken from the English Standard Version. 1 I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN TO HEAR THAT MY CHILDREN WALK IN THE TRUTH III JOHN 1:4 Forward - Although there is much young Earth information available from commercial sources and on the internet, it was the impression of this writer that no resource that deals with basic topical issues correlating the young Earth philosophy and science exists for professional church workers. To this end, Apologetic Resources is being offered. Intended Audience – The intended audience of this reference material is primarily use by professional church workers, i.e., teachers, pastors, youth workers, etc., namely those who choose to uphold the literal interpretation of Genesis and the inerrancy of Holy Scripture. The focus in this regard is Young Earth Creationism and the catastrophic nature of the global Genesis Flood keeping in mind that Genesis 1-11 is foundational to most of the significant doctrines of Holy Scripture. Of course, laymen may well also find this reference a valuable resource. There is obviously a realistic interplay between Scripture, apologetics and true science. The goal of this document is to provide clarity to this interaction.
  • Checklist Reptile and Amphibian

    Checklist Reptile and Amphibian

    To report sightings, contact: Natural Resources Coordinator 980-314-1119 www.parkandrec.com REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN CHECKLIST Mecklenburg County, NC: 66 species Mole Salamanders ☐ Pickerel Frog ☐ Ground Skink (Scincella lateralis) ☐ Spotted Salamander (Rana (Lithobates) palustris) Whiptails (Ambystoma maculatum) ☐ Southern Leopard Frog ☐ Six-lined Racerunner ☐ Marbled Salamander (Rana (Lithobates) sphenocephala (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) (Ambystoma opacum) (sphenocephalus)) Nonvenomous Snakes Lungless Salamanders Snapping Turtles ☐ Eastern Worm Snake ☐ Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) ☐ Common Snapping Turtle (Carphophis amoenus) ☐ Southern Two-lined Salamander (Chelydra serpentina) ☐ Scarlet Snake1 (Cemophora coccinea) (Eurycea cirrigera) Box and Water Turtles ☐ Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) ☐ Three-lined Salamander ☐ Northern Painted Turtle ☐ Ring-necked Snake (Eurycea guttolineata) (Chrysemys picta) (Diadophis punctatus) ☐ Spring Salamander ☐ Spotted Turtle2, 6 (Clemmys guttata) ☐ Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) ☐ River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna) ☐ Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) ☐ Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) ☐ Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) ☐ Eastern Hognose Snake ☐ Mud Salamander (Pseudotriton montanus) ☐ Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta) (Heterodon platirhinos) ☐ Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) ☐ Red-eared Slider3 ☐ Mole Kingsnake Newts (Trachemys scripta elegans) (Lampropeltis calligaster) ☐ Red-spotted Newt Mud and Musk Turtles ☐ Eastern Kingsnake
  • Florida Communities Trust Annual Report 2016-2017

    Florida Communities Trust Annual Report 2016-2017

    Florida Communities Trust Annual Report Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Office of Operations Land and Recreation Grants Section Florida Department of Environmental Protection September 30, 2017 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 103 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 www.dep.state.fl.us Florida Communities Trust Annual Report Fiscal Year 2016-2017 1 Table of Contents LETTER FROM THE CHAIR ....................................................................................................... 1 PROJECT LOCATION MAP ........................................................................................................ 2 FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST .............................................................................................. 3 MISSION AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS ......................................................................................... 4 PARK HAPPENINGS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 ................................................................ 8 ACQUIRED PROJECTS BY COUNTY 1991-2017 .................................................................... 12 SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES ................................................................................... 29 FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST BOARD MEMBERS ............................................................ 31 Front Cover Photo: Victory Pointe Park (f.k.a. West Lake Park) Unique Abilities 2017 Cycle FCT # 16-005-UA17, City of Clermont, FL Back Cover Photo: Myers-Stickel Property Unique Abilities 2017 Cycle FCT # 16-012-UA17, St. Lucie County, FL Florida Communities Trust
  • Tail Bifurcation in Plestiodon Skiltonianus

    Tail Bifurcation in Plestiodon Skiltonianus

    Herpetology Notes, volume 13: 343-345 (2020) (published online on 23 April 2020) Tail bifurcation in Plestiodon skiltonianus Danielle C. Miles1,*, Chasey L. Danser1, and Kevin T. Shoemaker1 Plestiodon skiltonianus (Smith, 2005), commonly The majority of tail bifurcations in other lizard species known as the Western Skink, is a smooth-scaled species are likely the result of abnormal tail regeneration after with a range from southern Idaho to northern Arizona in a lizard sheds its tail in response to a threat and are the Western United States (Tanner, 1957). The Western common across several lizard families (Clause et al. Skink is a part of the evolutionarily related skiltonianus 2006; Conzendey et al. 2013; Dudek & Ekner-Grzyb, group of lizards, of which none have previous records of 2014; Pelegrin & Leão, 2016; Tamar et al. 2013). Caudal tail bifurcation that we could find (Richmond & Reeder, 2002). Tail bifurcation is found in all of the major lizard groups and the most closely related species with this recorded observation is Plestiodon inexpectatus (Brandley et al, 2012; Koleska et al, 2017; Mitchell et al, 2012). On July 13 2019, one P. skiltonianus with a bifurcated tail was captured in a medium Sherman aluminium box trap designed for the live capture of small mammals that had been baited with bird seed and filled with biodegradable batting. As the traps were being collected at 17:00 PST, the malformed individual was found in the back of a trap, though the trap had not been triggered by its weight. The field site is at 39.4993°N, -117.0053°E on United States Forest Service land in Lander County northeast of Austin, Nevada, USA at an elevation of 1920 meters.
  • A Christian Physicist Examines Noah's Flood and Plate Tectonics

    A Christian Physicist Examines Noah's Flood and Plate Tectonics

    A Christian Physicist Examines Noah’s Flood and Plate Tectonics by Steven Ball, Ph.D. September 2003 Dedication I dedicate this work to my friend and colleague Rodric White-Stevens, who delighted in discussing with me the geologic wonders of the Earth and their relevance to Biblical faith. Cover picture courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey, copyright free 1 Introduction It seems that no subject stirs the passions of those intending to defend biblical truth more than Noah’s Flood. It is perhaps the one biblical account that appears to conflict with modern science more than any other. Many aspiring Christian apologists have chosen to use this account as a litmus test of whether one accepts the Bible or modern science as true. Before we examine this together, let me clarify that I accept the account of Noah’s Flood as completely true, just as I do the entirety of the Bible. The Bible demonstrates itself to be reliable and remarkably consistent, having numerous interesting participants in various stories through which is interwoven a continuous theme of God’s plan for man’s redemption. Noah’s Flood is one of those stories, revealing to us both God’s judgment of sin and God’s over-riding grace and mercy. It remains a timeless account, for it has much to teach us about a God who never changes. It is one of the most popular Bible stories for children, and the truth be known, for us adults as well. It is rather unfortunate that many dismiss the account as mythical, simply because it seems to be at odds with a scientific view of the earth.
  • FLORIDA STATE PARKS FEE SCHEDULE (Fees Are Per Day Unless Otherwise Noted) 1. Statewide Fees Admission Range $1.00**

    FLORIDA STATE PARKS FEE SCHEDULE (Fees Are Per Day Unless Otherwise Noted) 1. Statewide Fees Admission Range $1.00**

    FLORIDA STATE PARKS FEE SCHEDULE (Fees are per day unless otherwise noted) 1. Statewide Fees Admission Range $1.00** - $10.00** (Does not include buses or admission to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park or Weeki Wachee Springs State Park) Single-Occupant Vehicle or Motorcycle Admission $4.00 - $6.00** (Includes motorcycles with one or more riders and vehicles with one occupant) Per Vehicle Admission $5.00 - $10.00** (Allows admission for 2 to 8 people per vehicle; over 8 people requires additional per person fees) Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Per Passenger Exceeding 8 Per Vehicle; Per $2.00 - $5.00** Passenger In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass Admission Economically Disadvantaged Admission One-half of base (Must be Florida resident admission fee** and currently participating in Food Stamp Program) Bus Tour Admission $2.00** per person (Does not include Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, or $60.00 Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, or Weeki Wachee Springs State Park) whichever is less Honor Park Admission Per Vehicle $2.00 - $10.00** Pedestrians and Bicyclists $2.00 - $5.00** Sunset Admission $4.00 - $10.00** (Per vehicle, one hour before closing) Florida National Guard Admission One-half of base (Active members, spouses, and minor children; validation required) admission fee** Children, under 6 years of age Free (All parks) Annual Entrance Pass Fee Range $20.00 - $500.00 Individual Annual Entrance Pass $60.00 (Retired U. S. military, honorably discharged veterans, active-duty $45.00 U. S. military and reservists; validation required) Family Annual Entrance Pass $120.00 (maximum of 8 people in a group; only allows up to 2 people at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park) (Retired U.