In February 2026, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced the largest conservation easement in Florida Forever's 25-year history, protecting 61,525 acres of working forestland in Baker and Union counties, providing permanent habitat connectivity for species including the bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker and eastern indigo snake. The property contains forested wetlands, floodplain forests, basin swamps and headwaters that support water quality, flood protection and aquifer recharge across three major river basins. The land will remain working forestland under active management. DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said the easement strengthens landscape-scale connectivity while supporting the local economy. Florida Forever, which marks 25 years, conserves land for environmental, recreational and preservation benefits. Governor DeSantis has recommended $115 million for the program for fiscal year 2026–27.
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How does Florida's conservation programme protect 61,525 acres
The conservation easement protects an intact landscape within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and provides permanent habitat connectivity for wide-ranging and imperilled species. The DEP identifies the bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker and eastern indigo snake among the species supported by the property.
The protected land includes forested wetlands, floodplain forests, basin swamps and headwaters. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), these features support water quality, flood protection and aquifer recharge across three major river basins. The agency said the river basins are increasingly important as regional communities continue to grow.
Why will the protected land remain in active forest management
The easement does not remove the land from forest management. DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said: “Florida Forever was created to protect landscapes like this one. 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.”
Weyerhaeuser’s Director of Conservation, Alex Littlejohn, also described the agreement as an opportunity to maintain both habitat and working forestland. “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,” Littlejohn said, according to the DEP.
Governor recommends $115 million for Florida Forever
Through the Florida Forever Program, the state conserves land that provides environmental, recreational and preservation benefits, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). These include water quality and quantity safeguards, resilience from storm impacts, habitat and species protections, national security and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Governor DeSantis has recommended $115 million for the Florida Forever Program as part of the Floridians First Budget for fiscal year 2026–27. According to the DEP, the recommendation is intended to continue conserving Florida's most important lands for future generations. The program marks 25 years of conservation this year.
