The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has completed the purchase of 12,243 acres in Bay County, establishing Sandy Creek State Forest as the newest addition to Florida’s state forest system. The acquisition was made through the Florida Forever Program and is part of the Bear Creek Forest Florida Forever Project.
This new state forest expands the Florida Wildlife Corridor and protects a key section of the St. Andrew Bay Watershed. The land features various habitats, including longleaf pine forests, wetlands, and floodplains. It provides habitat for species such as the gopher tortoise, Florida black bear, reticulated flatwoods salamander, and dark-headed hatpins flower.
“With the creation of Sandy Creek State Forest, we’re not only preserving vital ecosystems and expanding wildlife habitat but also connecting conservation lands from Eglin Air Force Base to Apalachicola National Forest,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “This new state forest will offer meaningful public access while protecting the natural resources that make our state so special.”
When open to visitors, Sandy Creek State Forest will provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor education. The Florida Forest Service will manage the property with a focus on both conservation and recreation within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and along the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
“When opened, Sandy Creek State Forest will provide new outdoor recreation opportunities for families, sportsmen and nature lovers in Northwest Florida,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Through the Florida Forest Service’s stewardship of over 1 million acres of state forest land, we’re expanding access to the outdoors while protecting our natural spaces for future generations to enjoy.”
“The Florida Forest Service is eager to add Sandy Creek State Forest to its conservation efforts alongside our stewardship of 38 other state forests,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Florida currently has over 1 million acres of state forest land, protecting some of the state’s most valuable natural resources.”
Governor Ron DeSantis and members of the Cabinet approved this acquisition at 97% of its appraised value during a previous Cabinet meeting.
Florida leads national efforts in land protection through programs like Florida Forever, which aims to conserve land that benefits water quality protection, storm resilience, species habitat preservation, and public recreation opportunities.
Since 2019, more than $1.4 billion has been allocated by the state to support land conservation under this program—$950 million specifically directed toward acquiring properties within or benefiting the Florida Wildlife Corridor. In total since that year, DEP has acquired over 374,000 acres for conservation purposes; most acquisitions have been within this corridor.
More information about ongoing conservation initiatives can be found at FloridaDEP.gov/Lands.