78,000 acres of land in Florida have been acquired for conservation by the state government, the governor’s office announced this week. Most of this land falls within the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor.
“Under my administration, Florida has significantly expanded its land conservation efforts and today’s conservation is a major milestone for the Florida Wildlife Corridor,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “By prioritizing conservation, we are not only supporting our natural resources, but also our rural economies and the future of our state.”
The release from the state government points to $1.4 billion invested in land conservation dating back to 2019. Those investments, conducted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, have been made as part of the Florida Forever Program.
Among the species protected in this purchase is the eastern indigo snake, a non-venomous reptile which resides almost exclusively in Florida. ⓒ Dirk Stevenson
Dominating all areas of land purchases is a gargantuan swath in the Raiford to Osceola Greenway Florida Forever Project, which spreads over 61,389 acres in Baker and Union counties. The state government is hoping this area in particular will be key to maintaining water quality in Florida, as well as safeguard flood protections. The next largest parcel of land purchased on Tuesday is a 14,743-acre conservation easement within the Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Florida Forever Project which falls in Baker and Bradford counties. Part of the larger Florida Wildlife Corridor, this land is important to natural flood attenuation.
The Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor is a 100-mile, 1.6-million acre section of land which bridges the gap between the Ocala and Osceola National Forests. The region touches the state’s border with Georgia and extends downward all the way down to Lake County. Dozens of government agencies and private organizations work on the Corridor, including the U.S. Navy, Florida DEP, Sierra Club, U.S. Forest Service, and the University of Florida among others. Sensitive species which live within the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor include the eastern indigo snake, striped newt, and red-coackaded woodpecker.
“At DEP, we see the Corridor as the backbone of Florida’s natural landscape,” added Florida DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “It connects our past and our future, supports iconic wildlife, sustains vital ecosystems and preserves a way of life that defines Florida. I am grateful to the Governor, Cabinet and Legislature for their continued support to keep protecting natural Florida for generations to come.”
“Florida’s continued success depends on our ability to make responsible decisions today that will preserve and protect our land, water, and working resources for generations to come,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “The actions approved today reflect exactly that – a commitment to strategic conservation, productive land management, and sustainable resource use. I’m proud to support efforts that not only protect our environment, but also strengthen Florida’s agricultural foundation and rural communities.”
