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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