The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has completed the purchase of 21,600 acres in Levy County, expanding Goethe State Forest and securing a significant area within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The acquisition is part of the Waccasassa Watershed Florida Forever Project.
According to DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert, “This acquisition is a major step in protecting Florida’s natural landscapes at scale. By connecting this 21,600-acre property to Goethe State Forest and neighboring conservation lands, we are filling critical gaps in the Florida Wildlife Corridor and creating continuous habitat for wildlife to thrive.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said, “As Senate President, I worked to ensure Florida made a lasting commitment to protecting and connecting our natural lands through the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and I’m proud to see continued progress in protecting these critical lands. This expansion of Goethe State Forest shows how responsible land management and conservation can work hand in hand to preserve wildlife habitat, protect water quality, and ensure that Florida’s natural resources remain productive and accessible for future generations.”
The newly acquired land connects with existing protected areas such as Devil’s Hammock Wildlife Management Area and Upper Waccasassa Conservation Area. It contains two tributaries of the Waccasassa River—Magee Branch and Otter Creek—and will help safeguard water quality for both the river and downstream estuaries.
In addition to environmental benefits, the property offers opportunities for public recreation like hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Notable species on site include nesting bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and swallow-tailed kites.
Historic artifacts from Florida’s turpentine industry have been found on the property. The Division of Historical Resources has identified rare rectangular turpentine pot fragments there and sees potential for more undiscovered sites.
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet previously approved this purchase from Rayonier Inc., which began restoration work on the land in 2021 by replanting native species. DEP will manage these lands with support from the Florida Forest Service as part of Goethe State Forest.
Doug Long, executive vice president and chief resource officer at Rayonier Inc., stated: “Our sustainable forest management practices not only cultivate healthy, productive forests but also enable us to transfer that environmental stewardship to other entities when a property is identified for its unique public conservation value. This helps achieve vital long-term conservation goals in meeting the needs of society.”
More information about related initiatives can be found at FloridaForever.org.
