Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the protection of thousands of acres of conservation lands through the Florida Forever Program and legislative appropriations. This decision has been met with praise from various environmental leaders.
Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, stated, "Today's approvals mark another significant step forward in protecting Florida’s wild and working lands... We're excited for these conservation wins as they keep the momentum going toward protecting the remaining eight million acres."
Greg Knecht, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida, commended the state's commitment to land acquisition and conservation easements. He noted projects like acquiring property in the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor and a conservation easement on Williams Property in Levy County as examples of this dedication.
Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director of Audubon Florida, highlighted that more than 40,000 acres have been protected across seven counties. She emphasized that this move not only safeguards wildlife habitats but also ensures cleaner water and preserves ecosystems vital to Florida's economy.
Doug Hattaway from Trust for Public Land remarked on the importance of protecting public lands through programs like Florida Forever. He said these efforts enhance community vitality by safeguarding ecosystems and providing recreational spaces.
Julie Morris, Executive Director of Florida Conservation Group, expressed pride in partnering for watershed and wildlife corridor conservation. She warned that with rapid population growth in Florida, opportunities for land preservation are dwindling.
Traci Deen from Conservation Florida thanked state leadership for advancing land acquisitions critical to preserving both natural landscapes and agricultural heritage. She viewed today's approval as a significant victory for conserving green spaces crucial to maintaining biodiversity.
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