Park staffers admire the new Honda ATV acquired with funds from the FOF annual fund campaign. From left to right are: park services specialist Steve Houseknecht, ranger Steven Bass, biologist Mike Owen and ranger Tom Mosley.

A shiny new red Honda ATV is this year’s evidence of the generosity of FOF members who participated in this year’s annual appeal.

“Members contributed more than $9,800 to the purchase of the ATV,” said FOF president Francine Stevens.  “The staff could not be more pleased and wants to thank members for their generosity.  With the new ATV, they will have reliable access to remote areas of the park.”

The Board of Directors and the Park manager have identified the need to purchase an all-terrain vehicle to be primarily used by veteran Park biologist Mike Owen and supporting staff.  The vehicle became the focus of the 2015 annual appeal launched late last year.

Stevens said the success of the appeal set the stage for another great year for the park and the Friends of Fakahatchee.