Florida greenlights largest conservation land investment in decades
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with his administration, approved an investment Tuesday that protects nearly 28,000 acres of Florida’s natural lands and links existing conservation areas, including a first time acquisition of the Calhoosahatchee-Big Cypress Corridor.
“Florida continues to lead the way in land conservation and protecting our natural resources,” DeSantis said in a press release. “These protections will further protect our natural lands for Florida’s families to enjoy for generations to come.”
Located in Collier and Hendry counties, the acquisition of the Caloosahatchee-Big Cypress Corridor will total 25,039 acres. Specifically, its addition will connect the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and Big Cypress National Preserve to the Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, and the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Wildlife and Environmental Area.
The property, now protected through the Florida Wildlife Corridor, helps preserve “ecologically critical habitats and agricultural lands to prevent habit fragmentation” for a wide range of animals, including the Florida panther.
The Yarborough Ranch Florida Forever Project, another conservation area, was also acquired totaling 1,361 acres. Located in Seminole county, the purchase helps protect the Econlockhatchee River and Geneva Freshwater Lens, which provides drinking water for area residents.
Already currently surrounded by conservation land, the acquisition will provide critical linkage to imperiled species, including the Florida black bear. Also protected within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the project will be managed by the Florida Forest Service as part of the Little Big Econ State Forest.
In addition, the state obtained 1,342 acres within the Lake Hatchineha Florida Watershed Forever Project. Located in Polk County, and protected within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the acquisition will expand public recreational opportunities and fill a landscape gap between other state-owned lands near the lake.
Moreover, the property was recently approved to have 1,800 single-family homes and commercial developments built through local support. Instead, the project will now be managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
“I am grateful to the Governor and Cabinet for their unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and public lands,” Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton said. “Every new land acquisition furthers the protection of our natural resources and adds to Florida’s reputation as an ecotourism destination.”
Under the DeSantis administration, the Florida Legislature has committed more than $1.25 billion to the Florida Forever Program, including $100 million in recurring annual funding. The investments have specifically enabled the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, or DEP, to acquire over 220,000 acres of land conservation, with 90% coming from Florida’s Wildlife Corridor.
Additionally, DeSantis and the Cabinet approved 8,000 acres of permanent agricultural land conservation easements through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The purchase includes 3,000 acres within the Heart Bar Ranch, a cattle ranch established in 1847 by 5th and 6th generation family farmers.
For Fiscal Year 2024-25, alongside its land acquisitions, the DeSantis administration approved the Florida Forever Priority List and the Annual Florida Forever Work Plan, which guides expenditures for the Florida Forever Funding. Specifically, the Florida Forever Priority list includes 128 projects containing more than 2.1 million acres, of which 99 projects lie within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
