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Map by Angeline Meeks/Live Wildly Foundation

TALLAHASSEE, FL – In a momentous decision on June 10, the Florida Governor and Cabinet approved groundbreaking funding for the permanent conservation of an extensive 78,217 acres spanning three properties within and adjacent to the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This $123.8 million investment strengthens the Florida Wildlife Corridor by closing critical gaps in the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor while safeguarding the state’s wildlife, water resources, and working lands. The properties approved for conservation span Baker, Bradford, Clay, Putnam, and Union counties. 

“We applaud today’s Cabinet approvals as a powerful step forward for the Florida Wildlife Corridor as the continued investment in Florida Forever (FDEP) and Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (FDACS) demonstrates the state’s commitment and ability to keep working lands both working and protected,” said Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation CEO Mallory Dimmitt. “Conservation easements are essential tools for agricultural and silvicultural landscapes that define Florida’s future, and we are grateful to see science-backed conservation and strong partnerships driving progress across the Corridor.”

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a critical ecological network of 18 million acres that connects existing conservation lands to private working lands, providing a pathway for wildlife to roam and thrive. Nearly 10 million acres are already under permanent protection and by expanding the protected areas within the Corridor, the state is taking a proactive approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability of its natural resources. This decision by Governor DeSantis and Cabinet demonstrates their commitment to environmental stewardship and the conservation of wild Florida.    

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Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Project / Blackbottom Holdings, LLC. Photo by Lauren Yoho/Wildpath

The following parcels were approved during the June Cabinet meeting thanks to the leadership of the landowners, FDEP, FDACS, Shield Properties, and other partners: 

• A 61,389-acre conservation easement within the Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Florida Forever Project. Located in Baker and Union counties, the Raiford to Osceola Greenway Project provides a vital connection in the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The property is a working timberland. Protecting the land will help safeguard forested wetlands, basin swamp, wildlife habitats and connectivity, water quality, and two large bodies of water, Lake Palestine and Swift Creek Lake. The property provides habitat for gopher tortoise, black bear, red-cockaded woodpecker, eastern indigo snake, bald eagle, and many more species.
• A 14,743-acre conservation easement within the Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Project. Located in Baker and Bradford counties, the Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Project will enhance connectivity in the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor and the Florida Wildlife Corridor as it borders the Raiford Wildlife Management Area and the Raiford to Osceola Greenway Project conservation easement. The property is a working timberland. The headwaters of the New River, a tributary to the Santa Fe River, originate in the northwestern part of the lands and run along the western boundary. The land provides habitat to Florida black bear, red-cockaded woodpecker, bald eagle, and more. 
• A 1,745-acre conservation easement in Bradford, Clay, and Putnam counties, a project of FDACS Rural and Family Lands Protection Program . The Tumlin property is a working timberland with natural wetland areas also located on the property, including 1,600 feet frontage on Lake Lilly. The land provides habitat for many species including black bears, gopher tortoises, and osprey.

Also in today’s approvals was the delegated authority for 340 acres from Cabot Citrus OpCo LLC, adding to the Annutteliga
Hammock Florida Forever Project which already has 11,843 acres protected of the nearly 20,000-acre project.

To help understand the importance of these land parcels and visualize the land, Wildpath has developed a media kit with photos, video footage, and maps representing the newly approved properties. Please feel free to download and use these materials.   

About the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation      

The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation champions a collaborative campaign to permanently connect, protect and restore the Florida Wildlife Corridor – a statewide network of connected lands and waters that supports wildlife and people. As the champion and the guidepost for the Corridor movement, they unite leaders and changemakers to elevate the Corridor and accelerate protection for its most urgent, vulnerable, and irreplaceable connections. To learn more, visit floridawildlifecorridor.org or connect on social media @floridawildlifecorridor.  

 About Wildpath       

Wildpath’s mission is to inspire the appreciation and protection of wild places. They seek to tell powerful stories that raise awareness of conservation issues that
inspire policy makers, businesses, communities, and citizens to take action. The team specializes in impact campaigns, photography, video, and advanced remote imaging. Learn more about ongoing Corridor protections by visiting: wildpath.com/progress.