Victory for the Key Tree-Cactus

June 9, 2009

Contact:
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, 703.908.5809
Ed Koconis, Islamorada, Village of Islands, (305) 664-6400
Alanna Layton, Florida Communities Trust, (850) 410-0220
Dr. Carl Lewis, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, (305) 667-1651 (ext. 3333)

Islamorada, FL — A rare stretch of tropical hardwood hammock and mangrove forest known as the Key Tree-Cactus Preserve gained permanent protection today, thanks to the efforts of the Village of Islamorada, the Florida Communities Trust, The Conservation Fund, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

On June 9th, The Village of Islamorada finalized the purchase of the 9-acre preserve, named for the population of the endangered Key tree-cactus that inhabits the property. Funding for the acquisition came from Florida Forever funding provided by the Florida Communities Trust (FCT), a statewide competitive grant program for land acquisition. In 2008, the Village of Islamorada submitted a grant application to FCT with the help of The Conservation Fund and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Only 18 out of 91 projects received funding from FCT in 2008.

As early as 1917, the Key tree-cactus, which exists only in the Keys and possibly Cuba, was known to be rare in the Florida Keys. However, in the past decade, surveys by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden documented an 80 percent decline in the largest Keys population, raising alarm about the species’ future. “Fairchild is proud to be a part of this important effort to preserve one of the few vibrant and healthy Key tree-cactus populations.  This preserve will help prevent the species from going extinct,” said Joyce Maschinski, Conservation Ecologist at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

“Half of the properties that support tree-cactus are in private ownership, making it impossible to implement appropriate action to reverse this decline and secure the long-term survival of the species,” said Steve Klett of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is charged with the protection of listed species nationwide. “To adequately protect and manage the tree cactus, acquisition of these remaining privately-owned properties, including the Key Tree-Cactus Preserve, is essential.”

The preserve will be open to the public for low-impact, nature-based recreation. The Village of Islamorada owns and manages the property, and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide technical assistance regarding managing the cactus. The property will be managed with a $200,000 gift donated to the Village by the sellers and their broker.

The preserve is part of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, enjoyed by canoe and kayak enthusiasts from around the world, and is a destination along the Keys Overseas Highway Heritage Trail, used by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. The preserve is also located within The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which encompasses 2,900 square miles and includes the most extensive living coral reef systems in North America—the third largest system in the world.

“This remarkable project not only benefits the cactus but also enhances the Upper Keys’ reputation as an eco-tourism destination,” said Matt Sexton of The Conservation Fund, who along with Florida Field Representative, Lauren Day, coordinated the project and negotiated the transaction. “We commend the Village of Islamorada, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and the landowners for their commitment to this project.”

Special thanks to the Brunckhorst Foundation and The Milton and Tamar Maltz Family Foundation for their support of our Florida revolving fund, which was used in this acquisition.

About the Village of Islamorada

The mission of the Village of Islamorada is to protect the residents’ right to quiet enjoyment of life; to plan for enhancing our Village character; to preserve our community - its people, natural resources, and pride; and to provide basic services to support our quality of life.
www.islamorada.fl.us

About the Florida Communities Trust

Housed within the Department of Community Affairs, Florida Communities Trust is a state land acquisition grant program that has provided more than $760 million to local communities to preserve parks and recreational space. The Trust makes $63 million of Florida Forever funds available each year through its Parks and Open Space grant program and serves as a valuable component in the Department’s mission to assist Florida’s communities in meeting the challenges of growth, reducing effects of disasters and investing in the community. For more information on Florida Communities Trust or the Department of Community Affairs, please visit: www.dca.state.fl.us.

About Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. It is one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation. Currently Fairchild has field programs in over 20 countries including support to protected areas in Madagascar and Africa and botanic garden development and renovation projects in South and Central America, the Caribbean and Middle East. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden houses the National Palm Collection as recognized by the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), has the world’s greatest living collection of palms and cycads; an education program reaching more than 50,000 school children per year; hosts popular events like the International Chocolate Festival, International Mango Festival and International Orchid Festival, the Ramble, concerts, affiliated plant society shows and sales and more; and, is a not-for-profit organization relying on the support of its 40,000 members and benefactors. Fairchild hosts major art events such as Mark di Suvero, Fernando Botero, Dale Chihuly and Kris Martin at Fairchild this year, Botero, Lichtenstein and Chihuly at Fairchild in 2008 and Chihuly at Fairchild in 2005 and 2006. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida 33156. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for children 6-17 and free to children 5 and under and Fairchild members. For more information, please visit us at www.fairchildgarden.org and on Facebook.

About The Conservation Fund