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Swiftmud OKs Opening Reservoir Land For Recreation

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2008

TAMPA - The Southwest Florida Water Management District plans to open up thousands of acres around Tampa Bay Water's regional drinking-water reservoir for hiking, biking, horseback riding and other recreational activities.

The district is constructing a parking lot and marking trails and plans to add picnic tables, educational kiosks and a temporary restroom before opening the area to the public.

The reservoir is located south of Plant City off County Road 39. The district purchased 5,515 acres in 2001 in cooperation with Tampa Bay Water for the purpose of building the 16-billion-gallon C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir to collect and store drinking water. The reservoir takes up 1,100 acres.

The remaining property consists of a variety of upland and wetland habitats, including flatwoods, scrub, marshes and improved pasture.

District Spokeswoman Robyn Felix said the district's 10-year land-use and management plan calls for balancing the reservoir operation with natural resource management and public recreation.

Felix said the trails, tables and other facilities should be completed and ready for public use in spring 2009.

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