Florida Expands Its State Forest System with New Acquisition
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the successful acquisition of 12,243 acres in Bay County, marking the creation of Sandy Creek State Forest. This significant addition to the Florida Wildlife Corridor is set to enhance public recreational opportunities and contribute to environmental conservation efforts in Northwest Florida.
Bear Creek Forest Florida Forever Project | Photo by Lauren Yoho/Wildpath
Acquired under the Florida Forever Program as part of the Bear Creek Forest Florida Forever Project, this land is crucial for protecting the St. Andrew Bay Watershed. The area supports diverse ecosystems, including longleaf pine forests and wetlands, and serves as a habitat for species such as the gopher tortoise and Florida black bear, along with potentially endangered species like the reticulated flatwoods salamander.
“With the creation of Sandy Creek State Forest, we’re not only preserving vital ecosystems and expanding wildlife habitat but also connecting conservation lands from Eglin Air Force Base to Apalachicola National Forest,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “This new state forest will offer meaningful public access while protecting the natural resources that make our state so special.”
Sandy Creek State Forest promises a variety of recreational activities such as hiking and wildlife observation, managed by the Florida Forest Service to balance conservation with public access. It is a vital part of the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
“When opened, Sandy Creek State Forest will provide new outdoor recreation opportunities for families, sportsmen, and nature lovers in Northwest Florida,” stated Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Through the Florida Forest Service’s stewardship of over 1 million acres of state forest land, we’re expanding access to the outdoors while protecting our natural spaces for future generations to enjoy.”
Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service, expressed enthusiasm for the new addition, saying, “The Florida Forest Service is eager to add Sandy Creek State Forest to its conservation efforts alongside our stewardship of 38 other state forests. Florida currently has over 1 million acres of state forest land, protecting some of the state’s most valuable natural resources.”
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved this acquisition at 97% of its appraised value, highlighting the state’s commitment to land preservation through the Florida Forever Program. This initiative has already secured over 374,000 acres for conservation since 2019, with a significant portion falling within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
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