In a move for conservation, Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today approved the protection of more than 78,000 acres of vital Florida lands.
The approval includes over 76,000 acres in rural Florida, effectively closing the final major gap in the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor, a crucial 100-mile, 1.6-million-acre network of public and private lands connecting the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.
The decision marks a significant achievement in the state’s ongoing efforts to preserve its natural heritage and support rural economies.
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“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 Governor Ron DeSantis. “By prioritizing conservation, we are not only supporting our natural resources, but also our rural economies and the future of our state.”
Since 2019, the state has invested more than $1.4 billion through the Florida Forever Program, leading to the acquisition of over 374,000 acres for conservation. Notably, 90% of these lands fall within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The newly approved protections consist of several key acquisitions:
- A 61,389-acre conservation easement in Baker and Union counties within the Raiford to Osceola Greenway Florida Forever Project. This acquisition is critical to preventing habitat fragmentation and sustaining the working forestlands that are vital to the local economy. It will also protect regional water supplies and enhance aquifer recharge.
- A 14,743-acre conservation easement in Baker and Bradford counties within the Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Florida Forever Project. This parcel provides a critical link between Camp Blanding Military Reservation, Jennings State Forest, and other conservation lands, playing a key role in flood control and groundwater recharge in the Suwannee River Basin.
- A 1,700-acre conservation easement in Alachua, Bradford, Clay, and Putnam counties. This preserves a multi-generational pine plantation, ensuring it remains undeveloped and continues to support Florida’s agricultural economy under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
- A 340-acre acquisition in Hernando County within the Annutteliga Hammock Florida Forever Project. This parcel will prevent development and connect the Withlacoochee State Forest and the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, protecting water quality and expanding opportunities for public recreation.
State leaders praised the collaborative effort and its far-reaching benefits.
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“Florida’s conservation efforts are aimed at leaving our home better to God than how we found it,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Through this acquisition, we closed a major gap in the Wildlife Corridor and protected important agriculture and rural lands.”
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson highlighted the dual benefits of the acquisitions. “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.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been instrumental in these efforts.
“At DEP, we see the Corridor as the backbone of Florida’s natural landscape,” said 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.”
Today’s announcement solidifies the state’s commitment to preserving its unique ecosystems and ensuring that Florida’s natural beauty and resources are protected for the future.
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