Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Attorney General James Uthmeier and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, has approved the conservation of over 78,000 acres of land across Florida. This initiative includes more than 76,000 acres within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor, filling a critical gap in a network that spans 1.6 million acres between the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.
Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of this conservation effort, stating, “Under my administration, Florida has significantly expanded its land conservation efforts and today’s conservation is a major milestone for the Florida Wildlife Corridor.” He highlighted how these efforts support natural resources and rural economies.
Since 2019, Florida has invested over $1.4 billion in land conservation through the Florida Forever Program. This funding has allowed for the acquisition of more than 374,000 acres for conservation purposes, with 90% located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Attorney General James Uthmeier remarked on Florida’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty: “Florida’s pristine natural beauty attracts visitors from around the world. Through this acquisition, we closed a major gap in the Wildlife Corridor and protected important agriculture and rural lands.”
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson also supported these actions as essential for future sustainability: “The actions approved today reflect exactly that – a commitment to strategic conservation, productive land management, and sustainable resource use.”
DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert described the Corridor as crucial to maintaining Florida’s ecological integrity: “It connects our past and our future, supports iconic wildlife, sustains vital ecosystems and preserves a way of life that defines Florida.”
Several key acquisitions were part of this initiative:
– A 61,389-acre easement in Baker and Union counties aims to prevent habitat fragmentation while supporting local forestland economies.
– A 14,743-acre easement in Baker and Bradford counties connects critical landscapes near military reservations and state forests.
– A 1,745-acre easement ensures protection of multi-generational pine plantations in North Florida under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
– A 340-acre acquisition in Hernando County enhances connectivity between Withlacoochee State Forest and Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area.
These acquisitions contribute significantly to environmental preservation while supporting agricultural economies throughout rural Florida.
More information on these land acquisitions can be found here.
