© Steve Vaughn/Panoramic Images (Florida Title Image Large)
Florida Forever & P2000 Notable Acquisitions
Florida Forever and Preservation 2000 acquisitions are strategically selected to meet key state objectives. Notable acquisitions are featured below.
Restoring the Florida Everglades
Multiple tracts
Almost 90,000 acres critical to the restoration of the Everglades ecosystem have been acquired
Protecting imperiled species
Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem
Internationally recognized as critical habitat for dozens of rare species, one of the densest concentrations of federally listed plant and animal species in the US
Kissimmee Prairie
The largest, most pristine example of dry prairie, a natural community found only in Florida, that supports several rare species
North Key Largo Hammock
The finest example of tropical hammock in the continental US, supporting dozens of rare plants and animals
Protecting water quality
Tate’s Hell State Forest
183,000 acres of pinelands, swamps, and prairies that provide important protection to the waters of Apalachicola Bay
Suwannee River
Dozens of parcels along the Suwannee River enhancing water quality of this renowned river
Providing critical ecological connectors
Pinhook Swamp
One of the nation’s first ecological connectors providing an important corridor for Florida black bear and other animals
Protecting Florida’s incomparable natural springs
Troy Springs
One of Florida’s first magnitude springs with a daily flow of more than 65 million gallons of crystal clear water every day
Wakulla Springs Protection Zone
Critical recharge lands for Wakulla Springs, one of Florida’s largest springs
Providing hunting and fishing opportunities
Fisheating Creek
Excellent hunting and fishing opportunities are provided at Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area
Providing outdoor recreation opportunities near urban centers
Pumpkin Hill Creek
Almost 4000 acres of high quality natural lands within the rapidly growing city of Jacksonville
Atlantic Ridge Ecosystem
5,700 acres of high quality natural lands in highly urban Martin County
Supporting sustainable forestry
Goethe State Forest
53,000 acre pine forest that also provides rare species habitat and protects water quality
Public/Private conservation partnerships
Nokuse Plantation
A conservation easement providing an important ecological connector and supporting significant conservation accomplishments through private philanthropy with less public funding than full fee-simple acquisition
Babcock Ranch
73,000-acre working ranch and ecotourism property providing rare species habitat and protecting water quality
Tourism
Topsail Hill
A jewel in the Florida state park system with more than 3 miles of pristine sugar-white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful freshwater coastal dune lakes.