HARDEE COUNTY, Fla. — Protecting "Florida's fragile natural environments." That's the goal Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Florida leaders have for nearly 20,000 acres of land.
On Tuesday, Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved seven projects in six counties, including here in the Tampa Bay area.
The land acquisitions and conservation easements will be managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Six of the seven projects, which total 19,739 acres, are part of the newly designated Florida Wildlife Corridor, the state said.
“Land conservation is an essential tool for environmental protection,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I thank the Florida Cabinet for their support in approving these critical land acquisitions and conservation easements which will conserve Florida’s wide array of natural lands, protect our wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.”
In Hardee County, a conservation easement was approved for over 1,661 acres within the Hardee Flatwoods Florida Forever project.
The land has a mixture of mesic flatwoods, hydric hammock and various wetlands. "This area contributes to habitat connectivity that is necessary for bears and other wide-ranging species, given its location within a mosaic of conservation lands and private ranches," the state said.
“I’m grateful for the action of the Governor and Cabinet today to protect six properties within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, showing meaningful progress toward the statewide vision to protect the Corridor and the many benefits these working lands and natural areas provide,” said Mallory Dimmitt, CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Coalition.