Florida Cabinet Approves more than 16,000 Acres in New Conservation Lands

Audubon celebrates the conservation and preservation of thousands of acres across Florida today. 

Purchases approved include:

• 354 acres in Highlands County within the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem;
• 4,132 acres in Jefferson and Leon Counties within the Red Hills Conservation Florida Forever project;
• 6,864 acres in Glades County within the Fisheating Creek Ecosystem Florida Forever project;
• 2.85 acres in Monroe County within the Florida Keys Ecosystem Florida Forever project;
• 160 acres in Columbia County within the River Rise Preserve State Park;
• 241 acres in Duval County within the Pumpkin Hill Creek Florida Forever project;
• 313.4 acres in Wakulla County within the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Florida Forever project;
• 3,610 acres in Santa Rosa County within the Wolfe Creek Forest Florida Forever project;
• 501 acres in Hardee County within the Charlie Creek Cattle Company property;
• 932 acres in Okeechobee County within the Todd Clemons Unit 1Ranch.

In all, over 16,600 acres, or 26 square miles of conservation land in Florida will now be protected because of today’s actions, guaranteeing that these lands will never be lost  to development.

"Audubon is excited to celebrate today the protection of some of Florida's best remaining natural treasures," says Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director of Audubon Florida. "Florida Forever's transparent, accountable, science-based process ensures the public can be confident the most important places are being protected for a reasonable price, and willing sellers can be confident their projects are evaluated on their merits. The projects approved by the Governor and Cabinet today are validation of this program, its values, and the importance of Florida's environment to our state's prosperity. Today is a win for Swallow-tailed Kites, black bears, water quality, climate resilience, and the natural heritage of all Floridians."