DEP Acquires 4,808 Acres in the Red Hills Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2024

photo

Red Hills Conservation Florida Forever Project | Photo by Lauren Yoho/Wildpath

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has finalized the purchase of a 4,808-acre conservation easement in Leon County within the Red Hills Conservation Florida Forever Project. Extending from Lake Iamonia to Old Centerville Road, this expansive property protects surface waters and wetlands, supports groundwater recharge functions and provides wildlife habitat and sustainable forestry for the region.

Notably, more than half of Foshalee Slough, which is important to regulating overflow during flooding events for Lake Iamonia and the Ochlocknee River, lies within this property. It is also within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape

“These types of acquisitions are essential to further conserve our water, our wildlife and the unique natural landscapes people associate with our state,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “We are grateful to the dedicated landowners and land stewards in the region for their commitment to conserving these lands in perpetuity.”

The Red Hills Conservation Florida Forever Project includes five tracts of land in Jefferson and Leon counties. Following the successful conservation easement acquisition over the Norias Tract in 2022, Cherokee Tract marks the next step in safeguarding undeveloped land in a region highly susceptible to development pressures. This move not only protects regional biodiversity but also ensures the resilience of natural systems.

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved this acquisition during a previous Cabinet Meeting.

Florida is at the forefront of the nation’s land protection efforts and continues to be a model for other land acquisition programs across the country. Through the Florida Forever Program, the state conserves land that provides environmental, recreational and preservation benefits, including water quality and quantity safeguards; resilience from storm impacts; habitat and species protections; and outdoor recreation opportunities. Since 2019, the state has invested $1.4 billion for land acquisition, and acquired over 260,000 acres. Approximately 92% of these acres are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

###

Originally published at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/715637985/dep-acquires-4-808-acres-in-the-red-hills-region
Images courtesy of https://pixabay.com

author avatar
Funster
business banners

Latest posts

Martin County $1M & Up Single-Family Home Sales Rise

MIAMI — Martin County $1 million-and-up single-family home sales increased year-over-year, according to statistics released by the MIAMI Association of Realtors (MIAMI) and the...

Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence Bill by Senator Stewart Passes Second Committee

Tallahassee, FL – Today, bill SB 764, sponsored by Senator Linda Stewart (D – Orlando)...

Roers Companies, an NMHC top 50 developer and builder, rolls Funnel out portfolio-wide

Roers Companies selects Funnel's Renter-Centric® CRM and AI solution for 8,446-unit portfolio TAMPA, Fla., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Funnel Leasing, the only front office...

Greater Haralson Chamber Ribbon Cutting for Deb’s Delights Bakery In Bremen

Ceremony for bakery held on July 12 We are grateful for the support we've received and can't wait to share our...

Learn to safeguard your tenancy rights

Learn how to defend your rights as a tenant during the free "Tenants Know Your Rights and Legal Clinic" event in District 7 with...

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces State Office Closures in Celebration of the Holidays

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state offices will be closed on November 22, December 26, December 29 and January 2.   “Our...

IT Industry Alert: Latest Insights on the Industry Expertise of Mid-Sized Eastern European Software Development Companies

This comprehensive study, conducted by Intetics in collaboration with our partners, explores the dynamic...
celebrity reality tv