The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has secured the largest conservation easement in the history of the Florida Forever program, marking its 25th anniversary. The agreement permanently protects 61,525 acres of working forestland within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor, spanning Baker and Union counties.
This conservation easement connects Camp Blanding Military Reservation, Raiford Wildlife Management Area, and Osceola National Forest. It closes a significant gap in a nearly 100-mile network of public and private conservation lands between the Ocala and Osceola national forests.
“Florida Forever was created to protect landscapes like this one,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Conserving this single-owner tract in perpetuity strengthens landscape-scale connectivity while allowing the land to remain in active forest management that supports the local economy.”
The protected property includes forested wetlands, floodplain forests, basin swamps, and headwaters that contribute to water quality, flood protection, and aquifer recharge across three major river basins. The area is part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and provides permanent habitat for species such as the bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, and eastern indigo snake.
The land was acquired from Weyerhaeuser, a major private timberland owner with decades of forest management on the property. Approval came from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet during a previous meeting.
“This is a simply tremendous outcome for everyone involved,” said Alex Littlejohn, Director of Conservation for Weyerhaeuser. “Environmental stewardship is fundamental to our operations, and this conservation easement was a unique opportunity to support wildlife habitat and connectivity at a huge scale while also continuing to support the local forest economy. This is one of the largest conservation projects we have ever delivered, and we want to thank all our partners — including state leadership and DEP — for helping secure an agreement that will benefit Floridians for many years to come.”
Florida’s approach to land protection continues to serve as an example nationally through programs like Florida Forever. The program focuses on conserving land that offers environmental benefits such as water quality safeguards, resilience against storms, habitat protections for wildlife species, national security interests, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Governor DeSantis has recommended $115 million for Florida Forever in his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27.
According to information from the official website of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, DEP acts as Florida’s main agency overseeing environmental management throughout all regions of the state. Its responsibilities include protecting air, water, and land resources; managing more than 175 state parks; regulating waste management; issuing permits for environmental projects; supporting resilient communities; advancing land conservation; maintaining recreational areas; restoring coasts; planning initiatives; and providing statewide environmental protection programs.
More details about Florida Forever can be found at FloridaForever.org.
