Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet have approved a substantial investment to protect the state's natural resources and agricultural lands. The decision includes $111 million from the Florida Forever Program, securing 24,113 acres of critical lands. This acquisition involves seven key projects, five of which are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Additionally, $206 million has been allocated to preserve over 62,000 acres of farms and ranches through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert expressed gratitude for these efforts, 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.”
Several significant land acquisitions were highlighted:
- A 12,243-acre purchase within Bay County's Bear Creek Forest Project will establish a new state forest.
- A 5,910-acre conservation easement in Santa Rosa County will protect working forests in the Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Project.
- A 2,483-acre acquisition in Walton County will create a new state park as part of the Upper Shoal River Project.
- In Volusia County, a 1,335-acre addition to the Volusia Conservation Corridor will support local ecosystems.
- Duval County's Northeast Florida Timberlands Project expands Cary State Forest with a 1,265-acre purchase.
- Polk County sees two initiatives: a 764-acre conservation easement within Green Swamp and a 113-acre expansion at Catfish Creek Preserve State Park.
These measures aim to safeguard water quality and provide recreational opportunities while enhancing ecological connections across various landscapes.