Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet have approved the protection of 34,595 acres of conservation lands through the Florida Forever Program and legislative appropriations. This move aims to preserve Florida’s natural heritage by securing habitats for wildlife and enhancing landscape connectivity within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert commented on the decision, stating, “The natural beauty of Florida enriches the lives of all who call it home, and I thank Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet for their leadership in protecting our state’s environment for future generations.”
The land acquisitions include a 21,625-acre area within Levy County’s Waccasassa Watershed Florida Forever Project. This acquisition will protect working forests, safeguard water bodies like the Waccasassa River and Bay, and provide an upland buffer for nearby preserves. The site is home to various wildlife species such as bald eagles and gopher tortoises.
In Osceola County, a 7,548-acre conservation easement within the Ranch Reserve Forest project will preserve diverse ecosystems while linking existing conservation lands. It provides habitat for endangered species including the arogos skipper butterfly and eastern indigo snake.
Another acquisition involves 3,881 acres within Collier and Hendry counties’ Caloosahatchee-Big Cypress Corridor. This purchase aims to enhance connectivity between key wildlife refuges and prevent habitat fragmentation for species like the federally endangered Florida panther.
Additionally, a 1,541-acre acquisition in Putnam County will connect existing greenways with other conservation lands while protecting important water recharge areas. This property is also part of both the Florida Wildlife Corridor and Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor.
Furthermore, over 6,000 acres have been secured under permanent agricultural land conservation easements through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. These efforts ensure that working lands remain undeveloped while supporting Florida’s agricultural economy.
