Florida’s Popular Land Conservation Program Diminished
If you have hiked in state preserves from Apalachicola to the Keys or kayaked some of Florida’s unique springs, you’ve enjoyed the beauty of Florida Forever. This program and its predecessor, Preservation 2000, have protected 2.4 million acres of Florida’s most pristine places. Many threatened and endangered species such as the Florida panther, scrub jay and black bear rely on habitat that still needs protection by Florida Forever.
The program also strengthens Florida’s economy in many ways. Saving conservation land protects working agriculture, buffers military bases, brings people to our state and produces jobs.
Unfortunately, Florida Forever’s unique funding formula – the money for conservation comes from the documentary taxes paid on real estate transactions– has not immunized it from controversy. The last two years no money was allocated by lawmakers and this year saw only $8.7 million. The previous 18 years have seen full funding for Florida Forever, authorized at $300 million per year.
If you’ve wanted to do something to make a difference for Florida’s future and haven’t known what to do or have just been too busy, this is the time to act. With a small investment of your time, you can make a big difference. Let your elected officials know that conservation is critically important to Florida’s future.
View the Conservancy report Economic Benefits of Land Conservation: A Case for Florida Forever.