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Development Pressures
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Florida’s population growth is projected to double between 2006 and 2060, and seven million additional acres of the state could be developed by 2060. Fragmentation of large, intact patches of habitat into smaller, less viable areas has dire consequences for plants and wildlife. For example, the genetic viability of Florida panthers is threatened due to habitat isolation in south Florida. Roads built to support growing human populations pose a serious hazard for black bears and many other species. Fragmentation also contributes to the spread of invasive species and compromises the ability of land managers to implement ecologically essential prescribed burns.
For more information on the potential impact of population growth on Florida’s environment, view the Critical Lands and Waters Identification Project on the Century Commission website.
Visit the 1000 Friends of Florida website to learn more about the Florida 2060 Growth Projection Analysis
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