Governor Ron DeSantis approves acquisition of 20,000 acres for conservation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis along with the Florida Cabinet approved seven Florida Forever land acquisitions and conservation easements in six counties.

The nearly 20,000 acres in Hardee, Hendry, Indian River, Leon, Okeechobee, and Santa Rosa counties will be managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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Six of the seven projects are within the newly designated Florida Wildlife Corridor.

In an announcement about the acquisition Governor Ron DeSantis said land conservation is an essential tool in protecting the environment.

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“I thank the Florida Cabinet for their support in approving these critical land acquisitions and conservation easements which will conserve Florida’s wide array of natural lands, protect our wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors,” DeSantis said.

The land acquisition was made possible through the Florida Forever program which supports water resource protection, coastal resiliency, preservation of cultural resources, and public access to outdoor recreation.

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Since the inception of the Florida Forever program in 2001, the state of Florida spent approximately $3.2 billion to purchase more than 869,477 acres of land.

For more information on Florida Forever, click here.

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