DeSantis Cabinet approves conservation of 10,770 acres across Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday approved the conservation of more than 10,770 acres statewide, with more than 2,700 acres designated within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor. The projects represent a combined investment of $72.6 million and advance three state conservation initiatives: Florida Forever, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, and habitat connectivity efforts.

Among the approved acquisitions are a 2,708-acre conservation easement in Putnam County that will connect existing conservation lands within the Ocala-to-Osceola corridor, safeguarding regional water supply and flood protection. A second 3,567-acre easement in Hendry County will link the Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area to other protected lands while preserving agricultural operations. The state also approved permanent conservation easements on more than 4,500 acres of working farmland through the agricultural lands protection program, including a 1,034-acre cattle ranch in operation for more than 70 years.

Since 2019, Florida has invested more than $1.5 billion in land conservation, acquiring over 500,000 acres — 92 percent within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. State officials said the latest approvals balance growth with preservation and support ecosystem functions including wildlife habitat protection and aquifer recharge.