North Florida Land Trust coordinates sizable land protection agreement in Bradford County

‘We’re excited about what this means for wildlife, water resources, and the long-term protection of Camp Blanding’s mission.’

The North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) is at the center of yet another land conservation deal that will protect hundreds of acres of environmentally sensitive property.

Nearly 861 acres of land will now be protected in Bradford County thanks to the latest agreement the NFLT brokered. The tract will fall within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor (O2O) and the Camp Blanding Army Compatible Use Buffer Zone. The O2O now encompasses about 1.6 million acres of protected private and public land running from the Osceola National Forest south into Central Florida.

The property cost $5.42 million for the acquisition. NFLT officials say it was funded by the U.S. Army National Guard and the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program. The Florida Defense Support Commission also provided financial support.

The stretch of land was owned by Rayonier Forest Resources and was utilized for timber harvest. The property is adjacent to the NFLT’s Triangle Preserve and Suwannee River Management Santa Fe Swamp Conservation Area.

The land newly designated as conservation property will support wildlife protection, water quality and climate resilience in Northeast Florida.

“This is a significant property for connectivity within the O2O, and strengthens the regional conservation network,” said Allison DeFoor, President and CEO of NFLT.

“We’re excited about what this means for wildlife, water resources, and the long-term protection of Camp Blanding’s mission. Camp Blanding has been an outstanding conservation partner, helping ensure these lands remain protected in their natural state forever. The time to protect Florida’s natural lands is now.”

The protected land has significant flood plains within the property and is home to several natural buffers and wetlands surrounding Prevatt Creek, which is a headwater to the Santa Fe River. The property is also key to wildlife habitat and is home to deer, turkey and black beer among other species.

The NFLT will manage the land as the owner and is considering adding public access that will include possible hiking trails.

The acquisition is the latest in a hot streak for the NFLT, which has landed several sizable land purchases this year with help from several entities.