(The Center Square) – Florida officials announced the approval of more than 78,000 acres for conservation in Florida on Tuesday.
The biggest acquisition is 76,000 acres in the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor that close the final gap in a 100-mile, 1.6 million-acre network of public and private lands connecting the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.
“Under my administration, Florida has significantly expanded its land conservation efforts and today’s conservation is a major milestone for the Florida Wildlife Corridor,” DeSantis said in a release. “By prioritizing conservation, we are not only supporting our natural resources, but also our rural economies and the future of our state.”
According to state officials, the state has spent $1.4 billion for land conservation through the Florida Forever Program. During this time, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has acquired more than 374,000 acres for conservation, 90% of which are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
“Florida’s conservation efforts are aimed at leaving our home better to God than how we found it,” Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a release. “Florida’s pristine natural beauty attracts visitors from around the world. Through this acquisition, we closed a major gap in the Wildlife Corridor and protected important agriculture and rural lands.”
The largest conservation easement, 61,389 acres, is in Baker and Union counties in the Florida Wildlife Corridor. State officials say the acquisition will help prevent habitat fragmentation in the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor and safeguard the regional water supply and water quality, allowing aquifers to recharge.
Another parcel, 14,743 acres, within the Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Florida Forever Project in Baker and Bradford counties will connect the Florida National Guard’s primary training center with Jennings State Forest and other conservation lands within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor. This property is located in the Suwannee River Basin and Santa Fe River springshed and plays a vital role for flood control, groundwater recharge and supporting diverse wildlife habitats.
Also purchased was a 1,700-acre plot in Alachua, Bradford, Clay and Putnam counties in rural north Florida to support a multi-generation pine plantation.
State officials also acquired 340 acres in Hernando County to connect the Withlacoochee State Forest and the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area that will help with aquifer recharge and water quality as part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
