Governor DeSantis Approves 10 Land and Conservation Easement Acquisitions Totaling More Than 17,000 Acres

Press Release

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved 10 land and conservation easement acquisitions to protect Florida's natural environment. The properties, totaling more than 17,000 acres, will be managed and monitored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Seven of the 10 projects, totaling 16,706 acres, are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

"These essential land and conservation easement acquisitions are important to protecting Florida's rich natural areas and will preserve Florida's critical ecosystems, "said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Since day one, my administration has prioritized protecting and restoring Florida's environment and natural resources."

"Thanks to the dedication of the Governor, Cabinet and Florida Legislature to protecting our natural resources, Florida's environmental priorities, including land acquisitions, have never been stronger," said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. "Since 2019, this Cabinet has approved over 113,000 acres of land and conservation easements for acquisition through the Florida Forever program, and we are grateful for the continued support to further protect Florida's natural spaces."

"The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and our partners applaud Governor Ron DeSantis and the Board of Trustees for their leadership in safeguarding Florida's wild legacy for future generations," said Jason Lauritsen, Chief Conservation Officer of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. "This public investment is a huge step toward preserving key linkages throughout the Florida Wildlife Corridor."

"Audubon is excited to celebrate the protection of some of Florida's best remaining natural treasures," said Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director of Audubon Florida. "Florida Forever's transparent, accountable, science-based process ensures the public can be confident the most important places are being protected for a reasonable price, and willing sellers can be confident their projects are evaluated on their merits. The projects approved by the Governor and Cabinet are validation of this program, its values and the importance of Florida's environment to our state's prosperity. This is a win for Swallow-tailed Kites, black bears, water quality, climate resilience and the natural heritage of all Floridians."

"The Nature Conservancy has long recognized the need to establish and expand interconnected landscapes that provide nature room to move and grow while offering people necessary spaces for agriculture, recreation and resilience to a changing climate," said Temperince Morgan, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida. "Chaparral Slough is a prime example of a functional wildlife corridor and is a key step in our Florida panther protection efforts."

"This cabinet meeting marked another win for land conservation in Florida as we continue to conserve both our natural and agricultural landscapes," said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. "Conservation Florida applauds Governor DeSantis, the Cabinet, our state agencies and the many conservationists working to protect our critical lands. These conservation wins are examples of the power of partnership between agencies, nonprofit land trusts and landowners -- and how beneficial it is to the protection of Florida's biodiversity, wildlife corridor, water and rural lands. We look forward to continued collaboration to save Florida's special places, together."

"On behalf of the Florida Wildlife Federation we are delighted that the Governor and Cabinet have protected these lands for water, wildlife and quality of life for all Floridians," said Florida Wildlife Federation President Preston Robertson.

"Longleaf pine forests are some of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world. Protecting this landscape not only benefits rare native plants and wildlife, but it also provides exciting new recreational opportunities and supports our national defense operations at NAS Whiting Field," said Doug Hattaway, Senior Project Manager for Trust for Public Land. "Over the past five years, Trust for Public Land together with our valued partners, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have leveraged federal, state and local conservation and military base buffering funds to protect over 10,000 acres of contiguous lands critical for longleaf pine restoration work. We are excited to continue our work with our national and local partners to further advance conservation and community resiliency."

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