DeSantis signs law expanding access to iconic Wildlife Corridor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Legislation to expand access to Florida’s iconic Wildlife Corridor was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The bill, proposed by Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, will connect the corridor to Florida’s greenways and trails system, the Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network, as well as recreational pathways to heritage small towns.

Brodeur said the legislation includes $200 million to connect the corridor to the trail system so more people across the state, and around the world, can experience the unique natural habitat.

The Senate also adopted a resolution recognizing April 11 as “Path of the Panther Day” to highlight the recovery of the Florida panther and celebrate the Wildlife Corridor.

“Our wildlife corridor provides a unique opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of Florida’s heartland,” Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, said.

“With this legislation we have the chance not only to preserve this natural resource for future generations, but to expand access so more Floridians can walk, run, and bike from trail town to trail town, taking in all our great state has to offer,” she said.

Florida’s Wildlife Corridor encompasses approximately 17.7 million acres, including almost 10 million acres of conservation lands.

The corridor is being created through the state’s purchase of development rights of farmers, ranchers and other landowners who will be able to continue their operations in perpetuity.

“This significant expansion of access to Florida’s iconic Wildlife Corridor will provide even more options for families, athletes, and adventure seekers to experience old Florida at its finest, safeguarding more of our wetlands, farmlands and ranchlands, while improving the visibility of our quaint, legacy trail towns across Florida’s heartland,” Brodeur said.

The bill requires that trail projects located within the Wildlife Corridor, to the greatest extent possible, use previously disturbed lands, such as abandoned roads and railroads, utility rights-of-way, canal corridors and drainage berms, and permanent fire lines.

Further, the Department of Transportation is directed to minimize gaps between trail segments and to ensure that local support exists for projects and trail segments, including the potential for dedication of local funding and of contributions by sponsors to support trail maintenance.

From 2020-2022, under the leadership of Florida Agriculture Commissioner and former Senate President Wilton Simpson, the legislature appropriated $600 million in funding available to expand the Wildlife Corridor.