Friends of Uzita Conservation Area

Check > http://uzitashores.com/

"Come out to first organizational meeting July 15, 2009 from 6pm to 8pm at SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way Ruskin. For more information call 645-6578."

http://www2.tbo.com:80/content/2009/jul/08/na-gus-wants-to-save-his-florida/

Park environment should represent the following:

...avenues along which wide-ranging animals can travel, plants can

propagate, genetic interchange can occur, populations can move in

response to environmental changes and natural disasters, and

threatened species can be replenished from other areas.

Mission Statement

 To establish and support the Uzita Conservation Area under a unified

 management of the natural and cultural resources of Tampa Bay from

the mouth of the Little Manatee River south to the County line.

Goals "DRAFT"

• Aid and work closely with Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. 
• Promote protection and enhancement of flora (seagrasses & bird habitat), fauna (bird life), and wetlands of Cockroach Bay area.
• Reduce recreational disturbance to flora and fauna of area.
• Promote low-impact recreational use of area.
• Advocate state and county agencies play major role in protecting resources of area.
• Promote Pole and Troll & No Motor Zones for seagrass areas showing severe boating prop scarring.
• Promote additional canoe and kayak launch sites in area.
• Promote recreational activities such as biking, hiking trails, and bird watch areas.   
• Promote archaeological education to Native American Uzita “peoples” of area.
• Promote archaeological education to De Soto Trail of 1539 through area.
• Develop culture and environmental education center for area.
• Work with FDEP Aquatic Preserves concerning aquatic resources and water quality.
• Work with FDEP Florida Park Services concerning islands and shell mounds.
• Work with National Park Service concerning De Soto Trail.
• Work with HCEPC concerning protection of wetlands and seagrass beds.
• Work with different agencies such as Agency on Bay Management, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Florida Wildlife Conservation, Audubon of Florida-Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries.