The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reached a milestone with the acquisition of its 200th conservation easement through the Florida Forever Program. This achievement brings the total protected area to more than 364,000 acres statewide as the program marks its 25th anniversary.
Launched in 2000, the Florida Forever Program aims to conserve native landscapes, watersheds, agricultural lands, wildlife habitats, and other important resources across Florida. Conservation easements allow private landowners to maintain ownership of their property while placing permanent restrictions on development. These agreements are designed to protect natural and cultural spaces for future generations and support sustainable land use.
According to DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert, “Conservation easements are one of the most important tools we have to protect Florida’s lands and waters. From working farms and ranches to wildlife habitats and scenic landscapes, Florida Forever safeguards the resources that make our state special.”
Some notable conservation easements secured by the program include:
– The Fisheating Creek Ecosystem in Glades and Highlands counties, where over 66,000 acres have been protected since 2000. This area is significant for providing habitat for species such as the federally endangered Florida panther.
– Nokuse Plantation in Walton County covers nearly 18,000 acres and is part of both the Florida Wildlife Corridor and Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape. The property supports water quality in the Choctawhatchee River watershed and is managed with prescribed fire programs.
– Avalon Plantation in Jefferson County encompasses almost 12,000 acres within regions known for high-quality upland habitats crucial for several species.
– Deer Creek Ranch in DeSoto County consists of more than 5,600 acres that help safeguard the Peace River watershed while supporting various imperiled species.
– Letchworth Mounds in Jefferson County protects a site adjacent to an archaeological state park recognized for its prehistoric earthwork mound complexes.
The DEP notes that these conservation efforts involve close collaboration with private landowners. Easements on working lands require adherence to best management practices by agricultural producers, aiming to preserve water quality while maintaining productive operations.
More information about these conservation easements can be found at https://FloridaForever.org.
