Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved conservation easements to protect over 76,000 acres within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor. This acquisition completes a significant section of a 100-mile, 1.6-million-acre network connecting the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.
Allison DeFoor, President and CEO of North Florida Land Trust, expressed gratitude for this achievement: “This is a truly historic pair of acquisitions… This will both protect the environment and keep the land in agriculture.”
Rob Bradley, Chair of the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board, noted the importance of this milestone: “Today marks a huge milestone in Governor DeSantis’ environmental legacy… Thanks to Governor DeSantis, the Legislature and the Cabinet for making this day a reality.”
Richard Schwab from Suwannee River Water Management District highlighted North Florida’s unique natural spaces: “North Florida boasts some of the last remaining untouched, wild spaces in Florida… We commend the Governor and Cabinet for their commitment to land conservation.”
Greg Knecht of The Nature Conservancy in Florida celebrated this conservation success: “The continued work to protect land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor results in measurable conservation success… We thank the Governor and Cabinet for their action today.”
Julie Wraithmell from Audubon Florida emphasized public support for land preservation: “Audubon Florida thanks the Governor and Cabinet today for approving… Land preservation enjoys overwhelming support from Floridians — Florida Forever is essential to our prosperity and quality of life.”
Mike Register also reiterated his appreciation: “Today marks a huge milestone in Governor DeSantis’ environmental legacy… Thanks to Governor DeSantis, the Legislature and the Cabinet for making this day a reality.”
