Clark University study details massive forest loss in Florida

A Clark University study found that Florida lost 658,000 acres of forest between 1990 and 2017, averaging over 23,000 acres annually. Florida was the fourth state in the nation for forest loss during the 28-year period analyzed. The researchers determined that 55% of the former forestland was paved for development, while the remaining 45% became farmland.

The conversion of forestland into residential development and agricultural land indicates significant land-use changes in Florida. This trend highlights the pressure on natural resources and the shift in land value and use across the state.