Florida Department of Environmental Protection Announces Large Conservation Easement
What happened
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced the largest conservation easement in Florida Forever's 25-year history in February 2026. This easement protects 61,525 acres of working forestland located in Baker and Union counties. The land includes forested wetlands, basin swamps, and floodplain forests that support water quality, flood protection, and aquifer recharge across three major river basins.
From indiatimes.com
Why it matters
The program supports the bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, and eastern indigo snake, providing permanent habitat connectivity within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert stated that the easement strengthens landscape-scale connectivity while also supporting the local economy.
From indiatimes.com
Who's involved
- Florida Department of Environmental ProtectionGovernment agency overseeing the conservation program and announcing the easement.
- WeyerhaeuserAmerican timber company partnering with the DEP in the conservation program.
- FloridaState of Florida where the DEP operates and the land is located.
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The entities involved
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Weyerhaeuser
American timber company
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Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Florida government agency
Related events
- City site in Pensacola was authorized by the Florida DEP for debris management on October 23.
- Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Environmental Protection are collaborating on land protection efforts.
- DeSantis announced $100 million for water projects, with the Department of Environmental Protection overseeing water quality and supply.