In a significant move for conservation, the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has successfully acquired 1,109 acres in Bradford County, enhancing the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor.
This landmark acquisition represents the largest single purchase in the nonprofit’s 25-year history. According to Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT, this achievement ensures the preservation of this extensive tract of land in its natural state, devoid of any development. “There will be no bulldozers, no houses, just the plants and animals that call it home,” DeFoor stated.
The conservation initiative is vital for safeguarding habitats for diverse wildlife species including the Florida black bear, deer, and turkey. Notably, it also offers protection for threatened and endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and gopher tortoise.
NFLT acquired the property from Rayonier Forest Resources, LP, formerly used for timber production, for $7,301,427. The transaction was primarily funded through the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program and the Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program, both crucial for maintaining land around Camp Blanding that supports military training operations.
Additionally, the purchase was supported by the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, which contributed $100,000. This contribution is part of a $1 million grant aimed at promoting land conservation purchases over the next decade.
Allison DeFoor expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Camp Blanding and acknowledged the support from Delores Barr Weaver. “I applaud our team for protecting the land and thank Camp Blanding for its partnership, which made the protection possible,” she said, extending appreciation for the broader commitment to conservation.
The acquisition of over 1,100 acres by the North Florida Land Trust marks a key development in land conservation efforts in Florida, ensuring the protection of vital ecosystems and species for future generations.
Source: News4jax
