The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has completed the purchase of 12,243 acres in Bay County, establishing Sandy Creek State Forest as the newest addition to Florida’s state forest system. This acquisition extends the Florida Wildlife Corridor and introduces a new area for public recreation in Northwest Florida.
The land was acquired through the Florida Forever Program under the Bear Creek Forest project. The area helps protect a significant part of the St. Andrew Bay Watershed, supporting water quality and helping to reduce flooding risks for nearby communities. The property contains various habitats, including longleaf pine forests, wetlands, and floodplains. It is home to species such as the gopher tortoise, Florida black bear, reticulated flatwoods salamander, and dark-headed hatpins flower.
“With the creation of Sandy Creek State Forest, we’re not only preserving vital ecosystems and expanding wildlife habitat but also connecting conservation lands from Eglin Air Force Base to Apalachicola National Forest,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “This new state forest will offer meaningful public access while protecting the natural resources that make our state so special.”
Once open to visitors, Sandy Creek State Forest will provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor education. Management responsibilities will fall to the Florida Forest Service with an aim to balance conservation with recreation while maintaining its role within both the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and the broader wildlife corridor.
“When opened, Sandy Creek State Forest will provide new outdoor recreation opportunities for families, sportsmen and nature lovers in Northwest Florida,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Through the Florida Forest Service’s stewardship of over 1 million acres of state forest land, we’re expanding access to the outdoors while protecting our natural spaces for future generations to enjoy.”
“The Florida Forest Service is eager to add Sandy Creek State Forest to its conservation efforts alongside our stewardship of 38 other state forests,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Florida currently has over 1 million acres of state forest land, protecting some of the state’s most valuable natural resources.”
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved this acquisition at 97% of its appraised value during a previous Cabinet meeting.
Florida continues its leadership in national land protection initiatives by acquiring land that supports environmental preservation and public enjoyment through programs like Florida Forever. Since 2019, more than $1.4 billion has been allocated to this program—including $950 million specifically for extending the Florida Wildlife Corridor—resulting in over 374,000 acres being added for conservation purposes; 91% of these are within that corridor.
For more information about ongoing conservation efforts or details on specific programs like Florida Forever, visit FloridaDEP.gov/Lands.
