Below is an official statement from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ office.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved more than 21,500 acres of conservation and farmland protection, including acquisitions from the Florida Forever and Rural and Family Land Conservation Programs, representing a total investment of $27.4 million. These strategic acquisitions strengthen Florida’s conservation network, support military preparedness through Sentinel Landscapes, protect family-owned farmland, and keep the state’s natural and rural landscapes intact for future generations.
“From the beginning, my administration has recognized the importance of preserving Florida’s environment for future generations,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “By protecting the right land in the right places, we ensure clean water, support military preparedness, strengthen local economies, and protect the natural heritage that makes Florida a world-class destination.”
“Protecting Florida’s farmland and conservation lands means putting them in the hands of working families,” said Florida Agriculture Secretary Wilton Simpson. “I am proud to work with the Governor and my cabinet colleagues today to approve the protection of these lands. Every acre protected through these programs helps keep our state a little more rural and more like Florida, while supporting farmers, ranchers, and conservation efforts across the state.”
“Florida Forever continues to bring innovative conservation results to our state,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “With the continued support of the Governor and Cabinet, we can continue to protect the critical ecosystems, water resources, working lands, and landscapes that define Florida.”
Regarding today’s land acquisition approval:
Two conservation easements totaling 10,996 acres within the Caloosahatchee-Big Cypress Corridor in Collier and Hendry Counties will enhance connectivity between the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area. These properties provide critical habitat for endangered species such as the Florida panther while supporting agricultural operations. These facilities are located within the Big Cypress Region of National Concern and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. A 7,437-acre conservation easement within Escambia County’s Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Florida Forever Project will protect water quality and aquifer recharge in the Perdido and Escambia River watersheds while providing a critical buffer for major military installations. This property is located within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and Florida Wildlife Corridor. A 2,060-acre rural conservation easement within the Tilton Family Farm Project in Putnam County. The property has been family owned since 1973 and includes a cow and calf operation, timber stands and row crops. The farm produces honey and fresh produce, supporting a local food desert and maintaining community access to fresh, healthy food. This property is located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. A 1,059-acre rural conservation easement within the Siboney Ranch Project in Okeechobee County. The property has been family owned and operated since 2003 and operates as a cow and calf farm. Bordered by Pine Creek Sports Club to the west and Quail Creek Sports Ranch to the east, productive farmland is preserved and rural heritage maintained. The facility is located within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape and Florida Wildlife Corridor.
