Florida Expands Goethe State Forest with Major Land Acquisition
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has made a significant move to enhance conservation efforts by acquiring 21,600 acres as part of the Waccasassa Watershed Florida Forever Project. This acquisition, located in Levy County, plays a crucial role in expanding the Goethe State Forest and securing a vital section of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The newly acquired land strengthens the connectivity between existing conservation areas and offers a range of recreational activities for the public, such as hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. It is home to diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and swallow-tailed kites, providing visitors with unique opportunities to experience Florida’s natural beauty.
“This acquisition is a major step in protecting Florida’s natural landscapes at scale,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “By connecting this 21,600-acre property to Goethe State Forest and neighboring conservation lands, we are filling critical gaps in the Florida Wildlife Corridor and creating continuous habitat for wildlife to thrive.”
Former Senate President and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson added, “This expansion of Goethe State Forest shows how responsible land management and conservation can work hand in hand to preserve wildlife habitat, protect water quality, and ensure that Florida’s natural resources remain productive and accessible for future generations.”
The property is strategically situated in central Levy County, adjoining the southeastern corner of Goethe State Forest. It shares borders with Devil’s Hammock Wildlife Management Area and the Upper Waccasassa Conservation Area, encompassing two Waccasassa River tributaries, Magee Branch and Otter Creek. This land acquisition provides a crucial upland buffer to safeguard the water quality and flow of the Waccasassa River and the downstream estuaries of the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve.
Furthermore, the acquisition preserves historical elements, as remnants from Florida’s turpentine industry, including rare turpentine pot fragments, have been found on the site. The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources has noted potential for the discovery of additional unrecorded sites.
Approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet, the property was purchased from Rayonier Inc., which had initiated restoration efforts in 2021, including replanting native species. The DEP will collaborate with the Florida Forest Service to manage the lands as part of Goethe State Forest.
“Our sustainable forest management practices not only cultivate healthy, productive forests but also enable us to transfer that environmental stewardship to other entities when a property is identified for its unique public conservation value,” said Doug Long, Rayonier executive vice president and chief resource officer. “This helps achieve vital long-term conservation goals in meeting the needs of society.”
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