North Florida Conservation Deals Eyed

By The News Service of Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet on Tuesday are expected to consider two proposed deals that could help conserve about 76,000 acres of land in North Florida. Under the deals, the state would spend nearly $118 million to purchase conservation easements on the land in Baker, Bradford and Union counties.

Conservation easements shield land from potential development, while allowing property owners to continue such things as agricultural operations. The proposals include spending $93.617 million to purchase a 61,389-acre conservation easement from Weyerhaeuser Forest Holdings, Inc. in Baker and Union counties, according to information posted online in advance of Tuesday’s meeting.”

Protecting the property’s forestland is essential for both environmental and economic reasons,” state staff members wrote in recommending approval of the deal. “It helps prevent habitat fragmentation, which can harm wildlife, while also promoting the long-term sustainability of the working forestland that supports the local economy. While the area has historically been rural, it is experiencing some growing pressure from expanding development in both the Lake City and Jacksonville areas.”

The other proposal involves spending $24.326 million to purchase a 14,743-acre conservation easement in Baker and Bradford counties from Blackbottom Holdings, LLC.