FWC’s Innovative Pilot Program Exceeds Expectations in First Enrollment Period, Paving the Way for Future Success
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced today the successful completion of the first enrollment period for its innovative Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Pilot Program.
This landmark initiative, which provides financial incentives to private landowners for maintaining and improving habitat, has garnered significant interest and enrolled over 40,000 acres of critical habitat, marking a major step forward in the conservation of the critically endangered Florida panther.
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The program’s success highlights a growing partnership between the state and private landowners, who are recognized as essential for the long-term survival of the species. “We’re encouraged by the response from landowners and the quality of the habitat enrolled in this program,” said Jennifer Goff, Deputy Director of the FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. “Florida’s private landowners are essential for conservation in this state. Private lands provide healthy wildlife habitat and connect conservation lands across the landscape. Our landowners’ willingness to support panthers on their properties makes a tangible difference for this critically endangered species.”
The pilot program, funded by a coalition of partners including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, is designed to strengthen partnerships with landowners and contribute to the landscape connectivity vital for panther recovery and expansion.
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The program’s initial enrollment period saw a robust response, with 69 applications received, representing more than 172,000 acres across 14 counties. Following a competitive ranking process, 15 properties totaling approximately 40,635 acres of valuable panther habitat were selected for enrollment. Participating landowners will receive annual payments over a three-year period, with the FWC paying out a total of $519,012 in the first year alone.
Andrew Walker, President and CEO of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, praised the program’s collaborative approach. “This is a model for how we can secure lasting solutions for both wildlife and communities,” said Walker. “We’re proud to support such an innovative program demonstrating how conservation and private land stewardship can work hand-in-hand to protect wild Florida and its people.”
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Beyond per-acre payments, the program offers landowners opportunities for additional compensation through the “Cameras for Panther Conservation” project. Landowners can receive bonus payments for voluntarily submitting photos or videos of panthers on their properties, providing crucial data for monitoring the species. Approximately 40% of enrolled landowners have already agreed to host FWC cameras, further solidifying the program’s cooperative spirit.
Looking ahead, the FWC plans to continue its outreach and evaluation efforts while exploring opportunities to expand the program’s reach to more properties. The agency will also work to raise public awareness about the crucial role private working lands play in the conservation of Florida’s iconic wildlife.
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