NEW YORK, NY, March 10, 2008 - Wildlife Trust and the Wildlife Foundation of Florida (Foundation) are sponsoring a specialty license plate to help protect Florida's unique springs and the species that live there. The funds generated from the sale of the plate will be used to:

• Develop an educational and awareness campaign to increase the public's understanding of the threats and importance of Florida springs;
• Initiate a granting mechanism that will provide funding, not available elsewhere, for community based initiatives aimed at springs restoration, protection and local education;
• Provide an opportunity for sustainable conservation through a long-term funding mechanism utilizing the "Protect Florida Springs" license plate.

It is estimated that Florida has over 700 large springs and thousands of smaller ones. These crystal clear and once pristine springs provide important habitat to a wide variety of species, many of which are endangered, including the Florida manatee.

Florida's springs are severely threatened due to contamination, damming, development of shorelines and recharge areas, and in particular, reduced water flow as a consequence of water extraction for municipalities, agriculture, golf courses and bottled water. Most of the springs in Florida have suffered major changes to their hydrology and ecosystems resulting from anthropogenic activities. For example, we are just now seeing contaminants appearing in springs that have seeped through soil and rock layers and into the Florida aquifer - the source of all spring waters. DEET, a common insect repellent, has become a ubiquitous trace constituent in spring water having found its way into the Florida aquifer from the washing of clothes. The effect of this poisonous residue on larval insects that live in spring-fed Florida streams and are the source of food for a variety of fish is unknown.

Florida spring water remains about 73°F throughout the year and these springs serve as important natural warm water sanctuaries for manatees in Florida. Manatees are completely dependent upon warm water to survive cold weather in the winter. Unfortunately spring flow has been dramatically reduced and many springs have dried up completely depriving manatees of their warm water sanctuaries.

Besides being biologically important, Florida's springs have tremendous recreational and economic value to the state and serve as a source, both now and in the future, for Florida's drinking water. There are 15 state parks surrounding springs, but many springs are in private ownership and threatened by development.

About The Wildlife Foundation of Florida

Florida is like no other place on earth. The Foundation's goal is to ensure that Florida's wildlife survives and thrives for future generations of Florida residents and visitors. The Foundation works with partners across Florida to promote environmental conservation efforts and education.

Established in 1994 by the Florida State Legislature and charged with the mission of conserving Florida's precious wildlife resources, the Foundation issues grants for conservation research and outreach/education. To learn more about how you can help conserve Florida's precious natural resources, please visit www.WildlifeFoundationofFlorida.com.

About Wildlife Trust

Wildlife Trust empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystem and human health. Wildlife Trust is a conservation science innovator and leverages research expertise through strategic global alliances. Wildlife Trust pioneered the field of Conservation Medicine, a new discipline that addresses the link between ecological disruption of habitats and the effects on wildlife, livestock and human health.

Founded in 1971 by British naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, Wildlife Trust has built its reputation on 35 years of global research, education, training and experience. Research and conservation work in the United States include programs in the metropolitan New York area, Florida and along the coast of the Southeastern U.S.

Internationally, Wildlife Trust trains and supports a network of scientists around the world to save endangered species and their habitats and to protect the health of vital ecosystems. Wildlife Trust created the first egalitarian international network of science-based conservation organizations called the Wildlife Trust Alliance and is a founding partner organization of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine, a unique think-tank of prestigious academic institutions.

Visit www.wildlifetrust.org to read more.

Media Contact:
Anthony Ramos, Wildlife Trust
Director for Marketing & Communications
ramos@wildlifetrust.org
212/380-4469

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