On March 5, Governor Ron DeSantis and his cabinet approved $84.9 million in funding to permanently conserve 19,486 acres across seven properties within and adjacent to the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including areas in Charlotte and Lee counties.
State officials emphasized that this investment strengthens the Florida Wildlife Corridor by closing critical gaps while protecting wildlife, water resources, and agricultural lands.
Key Acquisitions and Conservation Areas
- Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor (Collier County): The 2,577-acre acquisition from Tamiami Citrus LLC enhances connectivity between the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area—a vital expansion for wildlife movement and habitat preservation.
- North-Central Charlotte County: A 3,722-acre conservation easement will protect Prairie Creek, a key headwater of the Peace River. This area is adjacent to the Ryals Citrus and Cattle property, which was acquired in 2023.
By securing these lands, Florida continues to prioritize long-term environmental protection, ensuring that critical ecosystems remain intact for future generations while supporting the state’s diverse wildlife.
