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Gov. DeSantis, Florida Cabinet approve protection of more than 78,000 acres of land

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Published  June 10, 2025 2:39pm EDT
Florida
FOX 35 Orlando

The Brief

    • Florida leaders have approved the protection of more than 78,000 acres of land throughout Florida.
    • The conservation land includes more than 76,000 thousand acres in the rural area within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor.
    • Officials said the four acquisitions close the final, major gap in a 100-mile, 1.6-million-acre network of public and private lands connecting the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier and Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson have approved the protection of more than 78,000 acres of land throughout Florida, including more than 76,000 thousand in the rural area within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor. 

What happened?

What we know:

On Tuesday, DeSantis, Uthmeier and Simpson announced the approval of the protection of more than 78,000 acres of land throughout Florida, including more than 76,000 thousand acres in the rural area within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor.

The officials said the four acquisitions close the final, major gap in a 100-mile, 1.6-million-acre network of public and private lands connecting the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.

The backstory:

Since 2019, Florida has invested more than $1.4 billion in land conservation through the Florida Forever Program. This consistent funding has enabled the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to acquire more than 374,000 acres for conservation, 90% of which are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

What are the land acquisition approvals?

Dig deeper:

Here's a look at the four approved land acquisitions: 

Conservation easement within the Raiford to Osceola Greenway Florida Forever Project 

  • 61,389 acres
  • In Baker and Union counties
  • Prevent habitat fragmentation in the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor
  • Support the long-term sustainability of the working forestland vital to the local economy
  • Safeguard regional water supply and water quality
  • Support natural ecosystem functions
  • Enhance flood protection
  • Recharge the aquifer

Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Florida Forever Project (Credit: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis/Photo by Lauren Yoho/Wildpath)

Conservation easement within the Camp Blanding to Raiford Greenway Florida Forever Project

  • 14,743 acres
  • In Baker and Bradford counties
  • 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
  • Plays a vital role in flood attenuation, groundwater recharge and supporting diverse wildlife habitats

Conservation easement that will connect to an adjacent Rural and Family Lands Protection Program Easement

  • 1,700 acres 
  • In Alachua, Bradford, Clay and Putnam counties
  • Protect a multi-generation pine plantation in rural North Florida
  • Ensure that working lands remain undeveloped while continuing to support Florida’s agricultural economy

Acquisition within the Annutteliga Hammock Florida Forever Project

  • 340 acres
  • In Hernando County
  • 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
  • Help protect aquifer recharge and maintain water quality and quantity in the region
  • Expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation

'Leaving our home better to God than how we found it'

What they're saying:

"Under my administration, Florida has significantly expanded its land conservation efforts, and today’s conservation is a major milestone for the Florida Wildlife Corridor," DeSantis said. "By prioritizing conservation, we are not only supporting our natural resources, but also our rural economies and the future of our state."

"Florida’s conservation efforts are aimed at leaving our home better to God than how we found it," Uthmeier said. "Florida’s pristine natural beauty attracts visitors from around the world. Through this acquisition, we closed a major gap in the Wildlife Corridor and protected important agriculture and rural lands."

"Florida’s continued success depends on our ability to make responsible decisions today that will preserve and protect our land, water and working resources for generations to come," Simpson said. "The actions approved today reflect exactly that — a commitment to strategic conservation, productive land management and sustainable resource use. I’m proud to support efforts that not only protect our environment, but also strengthen Florida’s agricultural foundation and rural communities."

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a news release on June 10, 2025. 

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