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ParkNet-Biscayne
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The Park
Biscayne National Park is the largest marine park in the National
Park System, with 95% of its 173,000 acres covered by water.
The area was set aside in 1968 to
....preserve and protect for the education, inspiration,
recreation and enjoyment of present and future generations a
rare combination of terrestrial, marine, and amphibious life
in a tropical setting of great natural beauty.
(Public Law 90-606)
 The park
protects four primary ecosystems. Along the mainland shoreline
of Biscayne Bay lies the longest stretch of Mangrove
Forest on Florida's east coast. Though only a small part
of the park, mangroves are critically important to the park's
food chain. Biscayne  Bay, the park's namesake, is a broad, shallow
body of water teeming with life. Its southern end,  still
relatively pristine, provides abundant recreational opportunities.
The Florida Keys are ancient coral reefs
left exposed when sea levels dropped (for more information on
the park's geology, see Geology
Fieldnotes — Biscayne). The northernmost 50 or so islands,
untethered by roads or bridges, offer a glimpse into what all
of the Keys looked like before  development.
The world's third-longest Coral Reef tract
begins in Biscayne National Park. Home to over 200 species of
fish and countless other marine plants and animals, it is one
of the best-preserved reefs in Florida.
But Biscayne National Park is more than just a natural wonderland.
From pirates to pioneers to presidents, the parade of human  history
here is impressive. This rich Cultural
Heritage spans 10,000 years, and continues with today's park
users.
So welcome to the online version of Biscayne National Park.
We hope the information here is useful and that it whets your
appetite for a personal visit in the near future.
Dive in! |
