We are at week 25 in the countdown to our official birthday on December 27 and this week we want to feature a significant partner and program in our conservation work, one that has had a transformative impact on North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) as an organization and also in keeping Florida green – the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and their Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NFLT has achieved significant milestones through its partnership with the USDA’s NRCS and their RCPP and this collaboration has been pivotal in advancing conservation efforts within the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor, one of Florida’s most critical ecological linkages.
Spanning 1.6 million acres, the O2O Wildlife Corridor is a 100-mile-long network of public and private lands that bridges two of Florida’s largest forests—the Ocala and the Osceola National Forests. This corridor is essential for preserving biodiversity, supporting regional water systems, and maintaining habitat connectivity for Florida’s iconic wildlife, such as the black bear, red-cockaded woodpecker, eastern indigo snake, and gopher tortoise.
NFLT first partnered with the RCPP in 2018, securing $3.56 million to jumpstart conservation within the O2O Wildlife Corridor. These funds supported initiatives such as land acquisition, conservation easements, and improved management practices on private lands. Recognizing the success of these efforts, the RCPP awarded an additional $9.3 million in 2020 to expand the scope of the project. This funding not only bolstered land conservation but also implemented innovative conservation practices to enhance habitat quality and water resources.
NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr highlighted the importance of the program, stating, “Through collaboration and aligning our resources toward a common goal, we’re making an impact for natural resource conservation that could never have been realized on our own.”
In total, RCPP funding for the O2O initiative has now surpassed $11 million, complemented by over $33 million contributed by partner programs. These investments are critical in addressing pressing environmental challenges, such as habitat loss, declining water quality, and the fragmentation of forest ecosystems.
The corridor’s importance extends beyond its ecological significance. By linking existing conservation areas such as Camp Blanding Joint Training Center and numerous state parks, the initiative ensures that species dependent on large, unfragmented habitats can thrive. Additionally, the conservation of working timberlands and water resources helps sustain local economies while promoting sustainable land-use practices.
Expanding Conservation through the Corridor to Coast Initiative
NFLT’s conservation reach expanded significantly with the launch of the Corridor to Coast (C2C) initiative. Supported by a $15.2 million RCPP award, this project extends the conservation footprint to 5.2 million acres across nine counties in Northeast and Central Florida. The C2C integrates efforts across working farms, forests, wetlands, and buffer lands to protect natural resources while supporting regional economies.
Much like the O2O initiative, the C2C relies on partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private landowners. Notable partners include the Florida Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Trust for Public Land. Together, these organizations bring technical expertise and funding to ensure the success of the initiative.
Both the O2O and C2C initiatives demonstrate the transformative power of public-private partnerships. By addressing natural resource challenges at a landscape scale, these projects not only conserve biodiversity and enhance water quality but also mitigate the impacts of urbanization and climate change. For example, conserved lands within the corridor act as natural buffers, reducing flooding, controlling erosion, and filtering pollutants before they reach water sources. These efforts also strengthen regional resilience against sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, located within the heart of the O2O, has also benefited significantly from NFLT’s conservation efforts. Through the Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program NFLT works to protect land surrounding the training center, ensuring the compatibility of military operations with conservation objectives.
The O2O Wildlife Corridor and the Corridor to Coast initiative exemplify how strategic conservation efforts can secure Florida’s natural heritage for future generations. By leveraging resources through the RCPP and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, NFLT is creating a legacy of resilience and sustainability. As Allison DeFoor, President and CEO of NFLT, often says, “It is now or never.” With the stakes higher than ever, these initiatives provide a blueprint for conserving the landscapes that define Florida’s identity and support its communities.
