NFLT is celebrating a huge win for conservation today as Governor Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet approved the strategic acquisition of more than 78,000 acres of conservation lands, including over 76,000 within the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor. NFLT, which leads the O2O Wildlife Corridor Partnership, played several key roles. It brought a majority of those involved in the process to the table, worked with the previous Speaker of the House Paul Renner to secure additional funding for the O2O, largely based on this project, and remained vigilant in its work to preserve these natural spaces. The O2O is 1.6 million acres of public and privately owned forested land that stretches 100 miles from the Ocala National Forest to the Osceola National Forest.
The biggest conservation project encompasses a more than 61,0000-acre conversation easement that is a working forest in Baker and Union counties in the core of the O2O. It stretches from the Raiford Wildlife Management Area to the Osceola National Forest. Protecting the land secures a contiguous landscape for a wide range of species, including the Florida black bear, and helps safeguard significant aquifer recharge, wetland habitats and rural forestry economies. The second largest conservation easement is over 14,000 acres in Baker and Bradford counties, also within the O2O that connects to Jennings State Forest and Camp Blanding Military Training Center.
“This is a truly historic pair of acquisitions, not only in size but they are the key pieces in the O2O Wildlife Corridor,” said Allison DeFoor, NFLT president and CEO. “The only appropriate response is a big thank you to Governor DeSantis, the Cabinet and Legislature for their leadership and the landowners for their vision and willingness. This will both protect the environment and keep the land in agriculture. We were honored to assist, and ready for more. Now or Never.”
NFLT has been instrumental in seeking and gaining funding for land preservation within the O2O and throughout the State. Through the years, NFLT leaders have met with legislators to advocate funding for conservation in Florida and in 2023, the legislature allocated $400 million dedicated to conservation.
DeFoor added, “This could not have been possible without former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and former Florida Senator Rob Bradley. When we met with Paul during his tenure to express the importance of this specific project in the O2O corridor and its importance to North Florida, he took the lead in securing $400 million in funding for the O2O wildlife corridor and defending it. Rob has also been a long-time supporter of conservation in Florida and was quietly pivotal in this success.”
With today’s move by the Governor and Cabinet, the land protected in North Florida has now reached more than 100,000 acres.
The press release from the Governor’s Office, can be viewed here and additional comments from environmental leaders can be found here. Details of all the land protected and the locations are below.
A 61,389-acre conservation easement within the Raiford to Osceola Greenway Florida Forever Project in Baker and Union counties will help prevent habitat fragmentation in the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor and support the long-term sustainability of the working forestland vital to the local economy. Protecting this large landscape tract will also safeguard regional water supply and water quality, support natural ecosystem functions, enhance flood protection and recharge the aquifer. This property is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
A 14,743-acre conservation easement within the Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Florida Forever Project in Baker and Bradford counties will provide a critical landscape connection to the Camp Blanding Military Reservation, Jennings State Forest and other conservation lands within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor. Located in the Suwannee River Basin and Santa Fe River springshed, the property plays a vital role in flood attenuation, groundwater recharge and supporting diverse wildlife habitats. This property is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
A 1,700 acre conservation easement that will connect to an adjacent Rural and Family Lands Protection Program Easement in Alachua, Bradford, Clay and Putnam counties that will protect a multi-generation pine plantation in rural North Florida. The approval represents 128th perpetual easement proposed for acquisition, with a total of approximately 208,629 acres preserved under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, ensuring that working lands remain undeveloped while continuing to support Florida’s agricultural economy.
A 340-acre acquisition within the Annutteliga Hammock Florida Forever Project in Hernando County will prevent development and enhance connectivity between the Withlacoochee State Forest and the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area. Located along the border of the Springs Coast and Withlacoochee River watersheds, this property helps protect aquifer recharge and maintain water quality and quantity in the region. It will be managed by the Florida Forest Service as an addition to the Withlacoochee State Forest, providing expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation. This property is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
About North Florida Land Trust
North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing quality of life by protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations.
